Interview with Thomas D. Clark, June 15, 1981

Interview Summary

This interview is the first in a three part series produced by UKTV that became episodes of the "Conversations with Cochran" television program. [See interviews 2015oh121_af794 and 2015oh122_af795 for the remaining two episodes.]

In this episode, Dr. Thomas D. Clark talks about his impressions of the University of Kentucky when he arrived as a graduate student in September 1928. He talks about why the Great Depression did not really hit the University of Kentucky until February 1932. He talks about the effects of the Depression on the university, including pay cuts for the faculty, and lowered student enrollment numbers. Dr. Clark talks about the quality of the faculty when he arrived at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Clark discusses President Frank L. McVey's influence on the University of Kentucky's transition from an agricultural and mechanical college to a state university. Dr. Clark discusses the dissolution of the senate and faculty at the University of Kentucky in 1940, which he says was a low point in the history of the university.

Interview Keyword

Conversations with Cochran Great Depression Dr. Frank L. McVey Agricultural and mechanical colleges University presidents Transitional phases Morehead State University Commencement ceremonies Faculty senate James H. Graham University of Kentucky. College of Engineering

Interview LC Subject

College campuses. College environment College teachers--Social conditions Education, Higher--Kentucky Educators Universities and colleges--Faculty. Universities and colleges. University of Kentucky College teachers--Rating of. College teaching. College administrators College administrators--Rating of College presidents Universities and colleges--Administration. Universities and colleges--Departments College buildings. College facilities.

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.