Interview with Thomas R. Ford, November 5, 1984

Interview Summary

Thomas R. Ford discusses his involvement with the University of Kentucky's Center for Developmental Change (CDC). Ford explains that he worked with Lee Coleman, the acting head of the department of sociology as one of the initiators of the project that developed into the CDC. Ford recalls that the basic motivating principles behind the center were an interest in international development and concern with the problems of rural Appalachia.

Ford describes the involvement of Dr. A. D. Albright in the formation of the CDC. He states that the CDC was involved in Peace Corps training, and that the CDC advanced greatly under the assistance of Dr. John Oswald, president of the University of Kentucky. Ford describes the focus of the CDC on education and discusses the role of Art Gallagher in the CDC. Ford explains that the first director of the CDC was Ed Weidner. Yet, Weidner stayed for only one year. Luckily, Howard Beers, former head of the sociology department had recently returned from Indonesia, and soon took charge of the CDC. He served as the director of the CDC until 1974. Ford also describes the involvement of the CDC with the Office of Economic Opportunity, and a large rural development project in McCracken County, Kentucky. He explains the attempt to organize an academic program in developmental change.

Ford believes that the growth of the CDC was stunted in the late 1960s by the national climate which began focusing more closely on internal change. Ford also states that the change in the administration at UK also caused some changes with the CDC. President Singletary was not as interested in international affairs as President Oswald had been. Also the cut-backs during the Nixon era and the growing importance of Vietnam had some impacts on the CDC. Ford recalls when Sue Johnson took over as Director of the CDC.

Interview Keyword

Appalachian Region Center for Developmental Change College administrators College environment College presidents College teachers. Developing countries. Politics and government Universities and colleges--Administration. Universities and colleges--Faculty. Universities and colleges--Research University of Kentucky. Department of Sociology

Interview LC Subject

Education, Higher--Kentucky Educators Ford, Thomas R., 1923- Ford, Thomas R., 1923- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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