Interview with Thomas R. Ford, June 11, 1985

Interview Summary

Dr. Thomas R. Ford, a professor of sociology at the University of Kentucky, describes his involvement with UK's Center for Developmental Change (CDC). Ford became the director of the CDC in 1975, although prior to this he developed research proposals for the CDC. He recalls working with Bill Schweri and developing proposals with the National Science Foundation. Ford describes criticism of the CDC and having to re-organize the center. He discusses developing a database of faculty research interests and the environmental research that the CDC was involved in. He talks about the establishment of a survey research center and the occupational training program with which the CDC was involved. Ford discusses international projects of the CDC and a current proposal for developing family planning health in India. He describes difficulty in getting funding and recalls a series of proposals that he assisted with that were not funded. He talks about the differences between tenured and non-tenured faulty, and states that tenured faculty are more likely to get involved in things that expose them to risks like the multi-disciplinary projects of the CDC. Ford describes how he wants to see the CDC more involved in helping developing nations and discusses his own plans for retirement. He recalls some of his successes, namely in helping to establish the Appalachian Center at UK and getting the survey research center organized.

Interview Keyword

Center for Developmental Change (CDC) Review committees Financial difficulties Funding Developmental research Multidisciplinary education Academic research Appalachian studies Kentucky state government Research--State governments Developmental changes Applied research Organizational goals Faculty research Financial support International aid University of Kentucky. Appalachian Center

Interview LC Subject

Ford, Thomas R., 1923- Ford, Thomas R., 1923- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History College teachers--Job satisfaction Kentucky--Politics and government Research Administration Universities and colleges--Administration Career changes Universities and colleges--Faculty College teachers Research grants University of Kentucky. Survey Research Center Grants-in-aid State governments Frankfort (Ky.) Gerontology Evaluation research (Social action programs) University of Kentucky. College of Business and Economics University of Kentucky. College of Agriculture South-East Consortium for International Development Universities and colleges--Research Retirement Careers Developing countries

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Interview Usage

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