Interview with Otis A. Singletary, March 28, 1989

Interview Summary

In this interview, Dr. Singletary discusses contemporary problems in intercollegiate athletics. He believes that athletics can establish a university's reputation and serves as a means of competition between universities for students. He says that he supported Proposition 48, which was aimed at correcting and controlling corruption in intercollegiate athletics. He argues that despite certain temporary drawbacks, it is necessary. He discusses the problems that U.K. President David Roselle faced coming into his presidency, including NCAA sanctions and specific charges that were leveled against coaching staff members as well as student athletes.

Returning to events of his presidency, Singletary talks about his impressions of Dr. Harry Sparks (president of Murray State University, 1968-1973) and Dr. James Miller (University of Louisville, 1973-1980). He discusses the tension between the University of Kentucky and other colleges and universities in the state during his presidency; much of this was caused by the battle for funding. The rest of the interview focuses on the Council on Higher Education and how it was coordinated. Singletary mentions that there was some conflict between what the council thought ought to happen and how much power they actually held. He talks specifically about A.D. Albright as director and his role on the council.

Interview LC Subject

Singletary, Otis A.

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Interview Usage

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