Interview with J. Allan Smith, December 9, 1975

Interview Summary

Dr. J. Allan Smith earned his doctorate in English from the University of Illinois and came to the University of Kentucky to work as editor for the College of Agriculture. He later became Head of the Department of Public Information. In this interview he discusses why he came to UK and his duties as editor for the College of Agriculture. He talks about the publications produced by the college and how they helped Kentucky farmers and county agents.

Smith discusses various University of Kentucky presidents, including Dickey, Oswald, and Donovan. He talks about the deans of the College of Agriculture during his time at the university and why they were chosen for the position. He talks about the effects of World War II, desegregation, and other policy changes on the College of Agriculture. Smith discusses a conflict within the college over a grass seed called Kentucky 31 Fescue. The conflict resulted in the firing or resignation of several College of Agriculture faculty members.

Interview Keyword

University of Kentucky

Interview LC Subject

Smith, J. Allan Smith, J. Allan--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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.