Interview with Otis A. Singletary, May 5, 1988

Interview Summary

In the ninth interview, Otis A. Singletary begins with his move back to the University of Texas. He mentions that he really liked Austin and had a comfortable feeling of going "home" when he went back. He hesitated taking the job because of the political atmosphere, but finally decided to accept the job. A good portion of this session is devoted to Singletary's relationship with Frank Irwin and other administrators at the University of Texas. The political atmosphere ended up taking its toll on Singletary and, a year later, he decided to accept the presidency at the University of Kentucky.

He discusses the interview process at the university and his first impressions of Lexington, the faculty, and the student body. He talks about his motivation to come to Kentucky. He came with the knowledge that there was a divided student body and an impetus toward student movements. He mentions his opinion of the role of the president of a university. The John W. Oswald years are discussed. He brings up the first time he met Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn and his final decision to move to Kentucky.

Interview LC Subject

Singletary, Otis A., 1921-2003 Singletary, Otis A., 1921-2003--Interviews

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.