Interview with Charles E. Barnhart, October 23, 1996

Interview Summary

In this interview, Barnhart describes the University of Kentucky's uniqueness as both a state university and a land grant institution. Barnhart talks about UK's involvement in active research programs at the national level, and mentions some of the top animal scientists at UK and the merit evaluation system. Barnhart remembers cooperative research programs between UK and industry. He mentions President Charles T. Wethington, Jr.'s vision of increasing the land grant commitment of the university, and notes the differences in the land grant commitments of UK, Purdue, and Iowa State.

Barnhart states that the UK College of Agriculture was isolated from the community at one time. He remembers forming friendships with Charlie Field of Field Packing Company, Owensboro, Kentucky and Carl Fisher of Fisher Packing Company, Louisville, Kentucky. Barnhart also notes UK's participation in improving commercial production of country hams.

Barnhart talks about the appointment of William Seay as dean of the College of Agriculture and his qualifications for the position. He also remembers Clifford Smith, and the various business dealings of Frank Peterson, particularly his involvement in ensuring that the Interstate 75 underpass would connect separate parts of the Coldstream farm. Barnhart recounts his own appointment as associate director of the Experiment Station in 1962. He explains how the animal science department was isolated from the rest of the agricultural campus. He recalls talking with the Dean Seay about new approaches to research and funding. He mentions UK President John Oswald's desire to combine the agricultural and biological science programs, and the College of Agriculture's decision not to participate.

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture. Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- --Interviews Oswald, John W. (John Wieland), 1917-1995 University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.