Background
Knutson, Wayne Shafer was born on June 1, 1926 in Sisseton, South Dakota, United States. Son of Edward and Julia (Sanden) Knutson.
Knutson, Wayne Shafer was born on June 1, 1926 in Sisseton, South Dakota, United States. Son of Edward and Julia (Sanden) Knutson.
Bachelor of Arts, Augustana College, 1950; Master of Arts, University South Dakot, 1951; Doctor of Philosophy, University Denver, 1956.
Purchasing agent, First National Bank Black Hills, Rapid City, South Dakot, 1951-1952;
professor speech and dramatic arts, also director University Theater, U. South Dakot, Vermillion, 1952-1966;
Professor of English, U. South Dakot, 1966-1973;
department chairman, U. South Dakot, 1966-1971;
dean College Fine Arts, U. South Dakot, 1972-1980;
vice president academic affairs, U. South Dakot, 1980-1982;
professor theater and English, U. South Dakot, 1982-1987;
University Distinguished professor, U. South Dakot, 1987;
University Distinguished professor, emeritus, U. South Dakot, since 1987. Associate director, business manager Black Hills Playhouse, Inc., Custer, South Dakot, 1952-1963. Associate director National Science Foundation Honors Institute, U. South Dakot, summers 1964, 65.
Director merger activities U. South Dakot-S. State College, 1971. Member South Dakot Humanities Council, since 1985, chairman 1989-1991. Member literature committee South Dakot Arts Council, 1968-1970, member county, 1970-1978, chairman county, 1971-1978.
Member literature panel National Endowment for Arts, 1975-1977. Trustee Shrine to Music Museum, Inc., 1975-1980, 84-86, emeritus, since 1987. Honorary board directors Black Hills Playhouse, Inc., since 1977.
Served with United States Merchant Marine, 1944-1946. Served with Army of the United States, 1946-1947. Served with Army of the United States, Korean occupation.
Member National College Players, Eta Sigma Phi (honorary), Omicron Delta Kappa (honorary).
Married Esther Marie Johnstad, July 30, 1950. Children: David Wayne, Jon Eric, Jane Marie.