Interview with Mark Clary, April 2, 1992

Interview Summary

Mark Clary was an assistant professor of architecture at the University of Kentucky, where he taught design primarily. He was born in 1954 in Russellville, Kentucky, and recalls that education was very important in his family. Clary states that he never had an interest in education in his youth due to a lack of enthusiasm and good teachers, and this created conflict with his father. Later, Clary explains that he became inspired to become the teacher he never had. Clary discusses various teachers and mentors that he had while a student at the University of Kentucky.

Clary started his college career at the University of Louisville. He played tennis, but explains that he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA. He then dropped out and started working at a tennis club in Louisville. While working at the club, Clary became good friends with architect Bill Martin. Clary states that Martin gave him a job which became his first introduction to the field of architecture. Clary then went to Jefferson Community College for a semester before he was accepted at UK. Clary obtained his architecture degree from UK and practiced freelance. Then, Cornell offered Clary a teaching assistantship, and he spent two years there gaining experience.

Clary discusses his career choice as well as various jobs he had before coming to UK. He recalls his work as an instructor for Cornell's summer program for high school students. After he left UK, Clary was a substitute teacher in Louisville for the high school system. Clary also describes his views on education.

Interview Keyword

Nature of Academic Work

Interview LC Subject

Clary, Mark Clary, Mark--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

Interview Rights

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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.