Interview with Paul E. Patton, August 8, 2014

Interview Summary

Former Governor Patton discussed his early understanding of the relationship between education and workforce development; his service as lieutenant governor and how that influenced his eventual efforts to reform higher education; the machinations behind House Bill 1; his fear that it would fail; his public battles with Charles Wethington and the UK trustees; his disappointment in Ned Breathitt?s handling of the controversy; his compromise with Wethington to get the bill passed and Wethington?s continued efforts to derail reform and regain the community colleges; the controversy over SACS accreditation; the search for the system president; Jim Ramsay?s leadership of the transition team and his failed bid to be system president; his impressions of the presidential search; his initial meetings with Michael McCall and his impressions of him; his belief in the wisdom of the community-drive district consolidation; his work with Aims McGuinness and NCHEMS; his impressions of Gordon Davies and CPE; and his pride in the KCTCS (and the university presidents he installed during his tenure).

Interview Keyword

Aims McGuinness Charles Wethington controversy Gordon Davies Jim Ramsay Michael McCall NCHEMS Ned Breathitt reform

Interview LC Subject

Education, Higher--Kentucky

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.