Interview with Cecil C. Carpenter, April 13, 1989

Interview Summary

Dr. Cecil Carpenter became a member of the University of Kentucky faculty in 1935. He later succeeded Edward Wiest as the Dean of the College of Commerce, which eventually became the College of Business and Economics. Carpenter describes the procedure for selecting a dean under President Donovan, and he explains the hierarchy of the university. Carpenter also describes the old UK campus and the usual course load for a professor at that time. He discusses the measures by which a university compared itself other institutions of higher learning.

Carpenter recalls some of the professors he worked with, including Professor James W. Martin, who developed the Bureau of Business Research. Carpenter also talks about the low turnover rate among faculty in the 1950s and the addition of a Master's degree program in Business Administration. He then talks about President McVey on a personal level, and describes him as being not only a colleague but also a friend. Carpenter then briefly talks about President Dickey, President McVey's successor, and elaborates on the selection process.

Dr. Carpenter also describes some of the Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences during the 1950s. Carpenter recalls meeting President Oswald for the first time at Spindletop Hall, and he describes President Oswald both as an administrator and as a person. He then explains that the University of Kentucky received funds for a new building for the College of Commerce/Business and Economics, and elaborates on the construction of the building on South Limestone. Carpenter also compares the administrative styles of President McVey, President Donovan, President Dickey, and President Oswald.

Interview LC Subject

Carpenter, Cecil Clayton, 1904- Carpenter, Cecil Clayton, 1904- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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