Interview with Rhea Taylor, November 12, 1976

Interview Summary

Dr. Rhea Taylor began teaching as a University of Kentucky history department faculty member in the fall of 1944. In this interview he discusses why he decided to come to UK, and his educational and career background before arriving at the university. He talks about his colleagues and administrators in the history department, including Dr. Thomas Clark and Dr. Albert Kirwan. He rates the university presidents that served during his time at the university and discusses some of the policies they implemented.

Taylor discusses the reactions on campus when Lyman T. Johnson became the first African American admitted to the University of Kentucky Graduate School. He discusses the effect of McCarthyism on academic freedom at the university. He talks about how students' attitudes have changed over the years, and discusses the role of athletics on campus.

Taylor talks about his roles and responsibilities at the university. He talks about various committees and organizations he joined.

Interview LC Subject

Taylor, Rhea Taylor, Rhea--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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