Interview with John E. Reeves, April 13, 1978

Interview Summary

John E. Reeves attended the University of Kentucky from 1922-1926. He also obtained his masters degree from UK and later became a professor of political science at the university. In this interview Reeves discusses his experiences as a student at the university, as well as his career. He talks about why he chose to attend UK, his relationships with his professors, and his impressions of the university presidents serving at the time. He talks about social life on the campus, as well as the attitudes of the students and the atmosphere on campus during Prohibition, the Roaring Twenties, and the aftermath of World War I.

Reeves discusses his career as a professor at UK. He describes the various presidents he has worked under over the years and talks about their impact on the university. He talks about his teaching and grading methods, and discusses some of his students who have gone on to become politicians.

Reeves describes the integration of the university and the reactions to Lyman Johnson's admittance as the first African American student at UK. He discusses academic freedom at the university in regard to political favors, McCarthyism, and a controversy over a professor's salary. He describes student protests at the university, including the situation surrounding the arrest of sixteen students when the National Guard was called in to contain the demonstrations. He talks about why he bailed the students out of jail and how the incident affected his career. Reeves talks throughout the interview about political issues and political views, and their effects on the university.

Interview LC Subject

Reeves, John Estill Reeves, John Estill--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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Interview Usage

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