Interview with Otis A. Singletary, October 2, 1990

Interview Summary

In session fourty-one, Singletary describes his friend John Silber, a Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate. He mentions Silber's strong personality, which has formed many strong allies and enemies, but has certainly thrust him into Massachusetts politics. Singletary shares his insight into the appointment of University of Kentucky President Charles T. Wethington. Singletary disputes any claims of political maneuvering within the board and the selection process and supports the school's decision.

In the second half of the interview, Singletary looks back on some of the issues that arose during his administration. He addresses the great debate over maintaining an equal balance of research and teaching among the faculty. Singletary also remarks on a possible University of Kentucky and University of Louisville merger, a proposal that never materialized, but which would have been monumental. Finally, Singletary discusses the hiring of Eddie Sutton as basketball coach and successor to Joe B. Hall. Among the factors involved in this decision were Sutton's reputed drinking problem, his conflicts with his former athletic director, and his wife's involvement with his former employer, the University of Arkansas.

Interview LC Subject

Singletary, Otis A., 1921-2003 Singletary, Otis A., 1921-2003--Interviews

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.