IRAN RESISTS RED MENACE UTAHN REPORTS newspaper clippings about USU‘s work in Iran: [Click image to enlarge]

(UUS 3.18-2, Box 30, Folder 3)

These “advisors” sent abroad were meant to be ambassadors for America. They wanted to showcase American’s supposed superiority, encourage Westernization, and discourage Communism. They were set out to establish the United States as the “leader of the free world” and an example for other nations to follow. Despite their intentions, the program was only a moderate success. The lack of understanding of Iranian culture and inconsistency of U.S. foreign aid caused the program to struggle in the latter half of its tenure. 

“Forward Steps for a Backwards People” article about agriculture in Iran: [Click image to enlarge]

(MSS 284, Box 26, Folder 4)

Advisors from Utah found implementing their concepts to Iranian agriculture to be extremely difficult. Iran was operating on ancient agricultural theories instead of the concepts of the modern age. The USU Extension Team was tasked with introducing current farm technology, such as combine harvesters and tractors, as well as new techniques to the underdeveloped nation.

The first agricultural college in Iran was integrated into the University of Tehran: Karaj Agricultural College.