Interview with Otis A. Singletary, November 20, 1990

Interview Summary

In this interview, Dr. Singletary discusses the controversy surrounding the University of Louisville and the Fiesta Bowl. He talks about problems with media coverage of the event. It was during this time that Martin Luther King, Jr. was being accused posthumously of plagiarism. Singletary argues that this issue should not distract the public from the great things King accomplished in his lifetime. He also expresses his disappointment in the loss of John Silber, president of Boston University, to Michael Dukakis in the gubernatorial race in Massachusetts in November of 1990.

Dr. Singletary then discusses events at the University of Kentucky in September 1985. He talks about the establishment of a Futures Committee and Michael Baer as its chairman. He mentions the desire to create a vice president for research. On April 1, 1986, Singletary announced his intention to retire on June 30, 1987. He discusses the university's status at the time and assistance it received from Governor Collins. On May 6, 1986, it was announced that Singletary would be appointed to the Ashland Oil Chair upon his retirement. He talks about Robert Zumwinkle and Don Clapp both leaving the university. On December 9, 1986, the Center for the Arts was renamed the Singletary Center for the Arts. He shares how he felt about this honor and its timing in regards to his retirement.

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.