Interview with Lewis W. Cochran, March 5, 1985

Interview Summary

In this interview, Lewis W. Cochran discusses the role that John Oswald played as president of the University of Kentucky. When Oswald became president, Cochran was the Associate Dean of the Graduate School, a member of the Faculty Council, and a Faculty Trustee. Cochran later became Provost of the university. He describes the elimination of the ROTC as a mandatory requirement in 1964 and states that it was for the best since there were a lot of reluctant people in ROTC at the time.

He describes other changes during Oswald's administration, especially the changes in promotion and tenure and the reorganization of departments on campus. Cochran states that Oswald played a key role in the further development of graduate programs and in increasing budgets. Cochran mentions Glenwood Creech, who he feels was never completely in tune with Oswald, and A.D. Albright, who he feels helped people think through their actions more cautiously. He describes working with A.D. Kirwan, who was Dean of the Graduate School at the time.

Cochran discusses the evaluation of department heads in detail. He describes how people like Thomas D. Clark were hurt by the evaluations when their departments wanted a change. He mentions problems with Dean Lyman Ginger of the College of Education and the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Bill Seay. Cochran explains that although much of the push for change was internal, problems were blamed on President Oswald.
Cochran talks about the role of Governor Ned Breathitt towards the advancement of the university due to his generous funding of UK. Cochran discusses his personal relationship with John Oswald, which he recalls as pleasant. He describes building projects on campus during Oswald's administration, and changes in undergraduate education. Cochran explains how the general studies component was developed and administered.

Interview LC Subject

Cochran, Lewis W., 1915- Cochran, Lewis W., 1915- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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.