The bulk of the collection is comprised of correspondence, much of which is to or from professional acquaintances. Early letters concern his appointment as Dean of Graduate Studies at Women's College while later letters refer to his retirement and the death of his wife. Ferguson's retirement is also documented in Newspaper Articles included in the papers. His career successes are documented by papers related to honors and by Personnel Report Forms filed with UNCG. The collection also contains general biographical information, classroom papers, and lecture notes shared with him by colleagues.