Interview with A. D. Albright, February 20, 1985

Interview Summary

A.D. (Arnold Dewald) Albright, former University of Kentucky administrator, discusses the creation of the Center of Developmental Change (CDC) on the University of Kentucky campus. He states that the first discussions about the center arose before the appointment of Dr. John Oswald as UK President in 1963. Albright explains, though, that Oswald brought an energetic movement toward the revitalization of UK of which the CDC was a part. Albright discusses the changes made to the university during Oswald's administration. There was much controversy over the criteria for appointments, promotions, and awards. The establishment of the CDC became part of a recognized need for UK to expand beyond its borders. Albright states that the CDC was the first department to work in any organized fashion to increase the diversity of the university. He describes Dr. Edward W. Weidner, who eventually became the first director of the CDC, although his term was short-lived. Albright explains how the CDC increased diversity by bringing Indonesian students to UK and providing Peace Corps training for UK students. He describes Howard Beers' role in the CDC and discusses Beers' relationship with the Indonesian government. Beers eventually became the director of the CDC, and Albright feels that Beers was instrumental in keeping the CDC alive. Albright took a sabbatical leave during the 1969-1970 school year and traveled to Belgium. Afterwards he did not have any close contact with the CDC, but he states that he wished the CDC could have been more a part of the university fabric. He describes funding for programs like the CDC, mentioning USAID and the Rockefeller Foundation. He also discusses the need for UK to put together a plan and a vision for the future.

Interview Keyword

Dr. John Oswald Center for Developmental Change (CDC) Howard Beers Ed Weidner

Interview LC Subject

Albright, A. D. (Arnold De Wald) Albright, A. D. (Arnold De Wald)--Interviews Beers, Howard W. (Howard Wayland), 1905- University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History Educational change Universities and colleges--Administration. College administrators College presidents Universities and colleges--Research College administrators--Selection and appointment. Universities and college--Faculty. Universities and colleges--Finance

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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

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