Interview with Otis A. Singletary, September 1, 1988

Interview Summary

In Session Thirteen, Dr. Singletary discusses the recovery of the University of Kentucky after the events of May 1970, as well as the following academic year. He mentions that this was one of only two times in which he considered leaving academia, but says that what occurred in May 1970 was not indicative of ongoing student behavior, but a somewhat more isolated event. During the interview, Singletary talks about how important the revision of the student code was during this time. He recalls Dr. Charles P. Roland decision to come to U.K.. He discusses at length his social and personal life as a university president, as well as the friendships he established with faculty, students, and administrators.

Dr. Singletary talks at great length about the roles that the administration and faculty play, and that the actual education of the students rests primarily with the faculty. He mentions the division sometimes felt between faculty and administration, as well as the qualities that make a faculty member successful. He recalls the seemingly constant criticism he received and his reaction. The budget is another issue addressed in this interview, along with the establishment of fellowships and foundations, specifically the Bingham Foundation. He discusses economic development of the university, as well as measures taken by governors Bert T. Combs and Louie B. Nunn to get more money for the state.

Interview LC Subject

Singletary, Otis A.

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.