Interview with Otis A. Singletary, May 25, 1990

Interview Summary

In this interview, Dr. Singletary addresses misperceptions of the role of the university in society. He talks about power and positions on issues; he states that colleges and universities are not perfect institutions. In late 1981, there was a move to have a Humanities House on campus, and the Gaines Center (named for John Gaines) was soon established with a fellowship for outstanding students. Dr. Singletary talks about how his experience at the Honors College at the University of Texas assisted him in working with these types of programs at Kentucky. He discusses the firing of Fran Curci as head football coach in November 1981. He comments on the possibility of Howard Schnellenberger coming to the University of Kentucky as head football coach, and the eventual hiring of Jerry Claiborne.

Dr. Singletary talks about the need to step up recruitment at Kentucky and the role that a coach plays in the recruiting process. He compares his relationship with Jerry Claiborne to that with Fran Curci. In February 1982, John Y. Brown appointed Brereton Jones and Larry Jones to the Board of Trustees. Singletary talks about these appointments and the need to "challenge old Doc."

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.