Interview with George K. Brady, June 29, 1972

Interview Summary

Dr. George K. Brady first came to the University of Kentucky in June of 1925 from Toledo, Ohio. He mentions that his first impression of UK President Frank L. McVey was that he was very diplomatic. Brady discusses his many experiences with President McVey throughout the years. Brady also explains that he felt sorry for McVey in the last two years of his presidency because the majority of the faculty suddenly turned against him, although Brady does not know why. Brady also describes his experiences with the theaters at UK. He performed in "Macbeth" and one of George Bernard Shaw's plays. Brady was even offered a job as a professional actor but turned it down because he wanted to teach. Yet, Brady explains how he resented administrative work throughout his career. When he first came to UK, the core members of the English department were Professors Dantzler, Edward F. Farquhar and Grant. When Dantzler had a heart attack, Brady became acting chairman for the English department for eighteen months and then organized the humanities courses until he retired. Two years before Brady retired, he became the head of the ancient language department as well. He held that position for nineteen months until he could find someone qualified to take over for him.

Interview Keyword

Dr. Frank L. McVey English professors Frances Jewell McVey Macbeth (Play) Football players College students Virginia McVey Frank Bower Department of English

Interview LC Subject

Brady, George K. Brady, George K.--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History Lexington (Ky.) Education--Kentucky College administrators College presidents College teachers Education, Higher--Kentucky Educators Universities and colleges--Administration College presidents' spouses Theater Acting Actors Universities and colleges--Faculty

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.