Interview with Thomas D. Clark, January 13, 1986

Interview Summary

In this interview, Thomas D. Clark discusses events at the University of Kentucky during the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s. He recalls the retirement of President Frank L. McVey and transition to President Herman L. Donovan. Clark discusses the abolishment of the faculty senate and its effect on the environment within the university. He also touches upon various internal conflicts at UK during this time such as the transfer of Pat O'Bannon to the College of Agriculture.

When Donovan was first appointed as president, Clark took a leave of absence to conduct research for his book "Pills, Petticoats, and Plows." Yet, Clark recalls that he was critical of Donovan's appointment. When Clark returned to the university, the atmosphere was tense but there was also a "period of renaissance" within the field of Southern history. Clark notes the founding of the Southern Historical Association, The Journal of Southern History, and university presses.

Clark also talks about Charles Merriam Knapp, Huntley Dupre, and other members of the history department. He describes the difficulties of developing an outstanding history department and faculty. Clark mentions the influx of students during World War II, adjusting to the military programs on campus, and sustaining the department with little funding and staff.

Interview Keyword

College administrators--Rating of College administrators--Selection and appointment. College department heads College presidents College teachers--Rating of. College teachers--Social conditions College teaching. Universities and colleges--Administration. Universities and colleges--Faculty. University of Kentucky. Department of History World War, 1939-1945

Interview LC Subject

Clark, Thomas Dionysius, 1903-2005 Clark, Thomas Dionysius, 1903-2005--Interviews Educators University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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.