Interview with Thomas D. Clark, August 14, 2003

Interview Summary

Former historian and professor Thomas D. Clark chronicles the history of the University of Kentucky (UK). Clark begins with the work of John Bryan Bowman in establishing the university in the 1860s. Clark explains the impact of land grants on the growth of UK. Clark characterizes the state of higher education in Kentucky during the nineteenth century. Clark then describes the tenure of several UK presidents during the late 1800s and early 1900s, including James K. Patterson, Henry Barker, and Frank McVey. Clark explains what measures President McVey undertook to improve the university. Clark remembers UK during the Great Depression. Impressions of faculty and staff under President McVey are also shared. Female leadership at UK during the early twentieth century is also explored. Clark highlights how the graduate school at UK was created. The involvement of UK in Kentucky politics is detailed. Clark lists some of the accomplishments of UK as an institution over the years. Clark recalls faculty reactions to the arrival of President Donovan in 1941. The Donovan administration is then described. Clark remembers how UK became integrated due to the Lyman T. Johnson case. Clark discusses how the UK College of Medicine was established. Clark briefly talks of the Dickey administration at UK. Clark considers why UK supported the creation of a community college system in Kentucky. Clark describes John W. Oswald and Otis Singletary and their administrations. Clark evaluates his philosophy on public universities. Leadership qualities for university administration personnel are also mentioned. Clark articulates his vision of the future of UK. The tenure of President Roselle is examined. Clark charts different conflicts between UK presidents and governors of Kentucky over the years. Clark considers the overall significance of the W.T. Young Library for the university. Clark also lists the qualities of a good university president. To conclude the interview, Clark gives advice to President Lee Todd.

Interview Keyword

John Bryan Bowman James K. Patterson Henry S. Barker Frank McVey Sarah Blanding Margaret I. King Graduate school Herman Donovan Integration Lyman T. Johnson G.I. Bill Frank Dickey John W. Oswald Otis Singletary Future David Roselle W.T. Young W.T. Young Library Lee Todd Great Depression World War II

Interview LC Subject

Clark, Thomas Dionysius, 1903-2005 Clark, Thomas Dionysius, 1903-2005--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History Kentucky Kentuckians Lexington (Ky.) Fayette County (Ky.) Education, Higher Administration Presidents Land grants Growth Leadership Women Kentucky. General Assembly University of Kentucky. College of Agriculture University of Kentucky. College of Engineering Cold War African Americans--Segregation African Americans University of Kentucky. College of Medicine Change Community colleges Depressions--1929--Kentucky World War, 1939-1945

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.