Interview with Thomas Stovall

Partial Transcript: Dr. Stovall, when did you first meet Bob Martin?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall recounts his first meeting with Dr. Martin and his reasoning for going to the then-recently named Eastern Kentucky University.

Keywords: history; transition

Subjects: University of South Florida

Partial Transcript: What are your recollections of the conditions at Eastern when you arrived, any strengths or any notable weaknesses or opportunities for development?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses the developing yet bustling scene on campus when he first arrived, noting the restructuring of leadership within the university.

Keywords: development; programs; structure

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: What was President Martin's philosophy of education?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall compares Dr. Martin's philosophy with his own, briefly commenting on Dr. Martin's individual approach towards education.

Keywords: enable; individual improvement; opportunity; similar

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: How would you say that he envisioned Eastern grow as a regional university in the development of higher education in Kentucky?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall recalls Dr. Martin's greater vision for Eastern, relating it to Dr. Martin's educational philosophy.

Keywords: community college; expanding; opportunity

Subjects: Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College

Partial Transcript: There have been stories about how strongly Martin ran Eastern that there was a relative lack of student and faculty participation. Is this true?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses student and faculty participation during Dr. Martin's administration, and gives his personal opinion on the level of involvement that should be present at a university.

Keywords: depend; determination; effective; involvement; leadership; progress

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: What was his attitude concerning the student protest movement of the late '60s and early '70s, and how was the attitude reflected with his policies at Eastern?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses how the demographics at Eastern played a role in shaping the student protest movement on campus, and comments on Dr. Martin's stern approach in controlling the movement.

Keywords: conflict; first-generation; responsibility; sophisticated

Subjects: Student Movements of the 1960s

Partial Transcript: How well did Martin function in the Council of Public Higher Education?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall details Dr. Martin's tension with the growing Council of Public Higher Education.

Keywords: authority; budget; competition; influence; information; review

Subjects: Council on Public Higher Education

Partial Transcript: Do you recall any of the relationships that he had with administrators at other state universities?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses the friendly competition between Dr. Martin and other regional presidents, but notes a shared sense of unfairness between regional universities and the University of Kentucky.

Keywords: competition; rivalry

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: How involved was Martin with Kentucky politics during this time?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall shares his knowledge on Kentucky politics and highlights Dr. Martin's private interest in politics while university president.

Keywords: governors; interests

Subjects: Edward Breathitt

Partial Transcript: How was your working relationship with President Martin?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses his working relationship with Dr. Martin, detailing Dr. Martin's leadership style and his role within the administration.

Keywords: authority; confidence; leadership

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: He's been characterized as an expert in educational fiscal policies, do you find that to be true or was that out of your field?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall describes Dr. Martin's financial experience.

Keywords: budget; experiance

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: What role did you play in developing and implementing the new academic programs that were instituted at Eastern during your time there?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses his and Dr. Martin's role in creating new programs at Eastern, and highlights the role of faculty at presenting new ideas.

Keywords: degree; development; expansion; university

Subjects: Eastern Kentucky University Law Enforcement School

Partial Transcript: How would you characterize Martin's personality/

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall briefly describes Dr. Martin's personality and how it affected his leadership at Eastern.

Keywords: dynamic; strength

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Do you recall what his relationship was with KEA?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall briefly recalls Dr. Martin's relationship with the KEA.

Keywords:

Subjects: Kentucky Educational Association

Partial Transcript: Do you recall any interesting stories or anecdotes regarding Bob Martin?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall shares interesting stories concerning Dr. Martin and the town of Richmond.

Keywords:

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Why did you decide to leave Eastern in '72?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses his reasons for leaving Eastern for Peabody College in 1972, and shares potential plans for future careers outside college administration.

Keywords:

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: What would you consider to be the main things that would be remembered about Bob Martin?

Segment Synopsis: Dr. Stovall discusses Dr. Martin's success at Eastern during the largest boom in higher education nationwide.

Keywords: builder; developer

Subjects: