James M. Hoover was Professor of Civil Engineering at Iowa State University. He conducted research with the Engineering Experiment Station before becoming a professor. His consultation work included subjects related to road engineering and soil testing. This collection includes biographical information, articles and reports written by Hoover, a grant application, and videotapes. The videotapes relate to a study Hoover did for Exxon Chemicals Americas.

James M. Hoover was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa (1928). He received his Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of Omaha (1950) and went on to receive both a B.S. (1953) and an M.S. (1956) from Iowa State College (University). During his time as a student at Omaha and Iowa State, Hoover worked as a surveyor-inspector (1948-1950) for the Pottawattamie County engineer office and as a draftsman (1950-1953) for the Iowa Highway Commission.

Hoover was first employed at Iowa State as a research assistant (1953-1955) for the Engineering Experiment Station. While still in graduate school, he was promoted to Instructor (1955-1958) in the Department of Civil Engineering. He continued being promoted and served as Assistant Professor (1958-1967), Associate Professor (1967-1974), and finally Professor of Civil Engineering (1974). His expertise in soil stabilization techniques earned him consulting work in foundation soil and earth dam investigations, soil and materials testing, and road and parking lot design.

Hoover was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Highway Research Board, the American Society for Testing and Materials, American Road Builders Association, and Sigma Xi. He was also an associate member in the Geological Society of Iowa and the Iowa Academy of Science.

Hoover was married to Diane Basart of Council Bluffs. Together they had two sons, Dennis and David. He died on January 31, 1994.

This collection (1960-1994) contains biographical information, published articles, a grant application, reports, and videotapes. Included in the biographical materials are news clippings, a curriculum vita, and faculty information forms completed by Hoover. The published articles and reports deal mostly with Hoover's research into soil stabilization techniques for pavement and roadways. Several of the reports and all of the videotapes document research into soil stabilization that Hoover conducted for Exxon Chemical Americas. The videotapes show construction work and testing on roadway test sections.