Interview with Otis A. Singletary, March 1, 1990

Interview Summary

In this interview, Dr. Singletary discusses other career options that he encountered before dedicating his life to education. He had the opportunity to go into business or to serve as a career officer in the Navy. He gives a little insight into the personal side of his life. He mentions that he never minded facing problems and he loved working in the university setting. He also responds to the claim that he was very conservative with the budget and the necessary growth at the university. He addresses ambitions at the University of Kentucky to improve its standing among public universities nationally.

Dr. Singletary discusses the resignation of Dr. James Miller at the University of Louisville in January of 1980, and what it meant to Louisville. The controversy regarding the missions of U.K. and U of L arose during this time. In March 1980, Singletary was elected president of the Southeastern Conference. The University of Louisville's basketball team won the National Championship and Singletary describes the statewide reaction. He states that there was also a suggestion of a U.K. versus Louisville basketball game and he explains why he opposed that. He finishes with a discussion of possibly expanding or realigning the Southeastern Conference.

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.