Interview with Gerald May

Partial Transcript: Would you identify yourself please and tell us a little about your life and your early connection with Eastern?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May describes his background leading up to his appointment on the Board of Regents, and childhood in upstate New York.

Keywords: Army Service; Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College; Stanford, KY

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: When did you first meet Bob Martin?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May explains how he met Dr. Martin, and how his relationship with his became closer after his appointment to the Board of Regents in the 1970s.

Keywords: 1960s; Board of Regents; Eastern Kentucky University; Night classes

Subjects: Lincoln County

Partial Transcript: How did you become a member of the Board of Regents?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May details how he was appointed to the Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents. He explains how the board works and how they have a balance with voting with an even number of Democrats and Republicans on the board.

Keywords:

Subjects: Board of Regents Leadership voting balance

Partial Transcript: When you became a member of the Board of Regents, what were your first impressions of Dr. Martin?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May describes his knowledge of Dr. Martin before working with him in the 1970's. He explains that he knew who Dr. Martin was and was impressed with his accomplishments within his position in education, and the leadership he brought to Eastern in the 1960's.

Keywords: Appointment; Dr. Robert R. Martin; Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College; minimum foundation; University President

Subjects: Board of Regents Secretary of Primary Education

Partial Transcript: Do you remember anything about his appointment in 1960?

Segment Synopsis: May describes Dr. Martin's appointment to university president, and his relationship within the Board of Regents at Eastern. He goes on to explain that Dr. Martin's history with political campaigns and government aided him in leadership as well as resolving conflicts on the board. He also explains the way the board is set up to where there is not a majority rule, so that one party is not in more power than another.

Keywords: 1960; appointment; Board of Regents; university president

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: What do you think were Dr. Martin's priorities?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May explains what he believes to be Dr. Martin's priorities when it came to the university, such as expansion in campus, population, and education, and in funding for the entire Eastern community of Kentucky.

Keywords: expansion; extension classes; healthcare education; ROTC; rural

Subjects: Louis B. Nunn

Partial Transcript: What is your opinion on the council?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May gives in opinions on the Council on Higher Education, the need of the group, but also its issues and the controversy around it.

Keywords: Controversy; Important; Kentucky

Subjects: Council of Higher Education

Partial Transcript: What do you know of Dr. Martin's relationship with the press?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May gives his opinions on the press in relation with Dr. Martin, he explains that he does not see any real issues with the press but that he can see students taking to the press to complain about the university.

Keywords: good press; press; public affairs

Subjects: Courier-Journal

Partial Transcript: How would you compare Dr. Martin with other college presidents?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May describes how Dr. Martin compares to other university presidents in Kentucky. He goes on to say that Dr. Martin was one of the first presidents to have a dynamic vision for expanding the university in years. He credits Dr. Martin with being a person who was a good planner and someone who would not grandstand in his accomplishments.

Keywords: Dr. Doran; Dr. Powell; university president

Subjects: Eastern Kentucky University

Partial Transcript: Do you have anything you would like to add to this tape?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. May gives his final thoughts on Dr. Martin, and adds that he could not forget to mention Dr. Martin's wife Anne. He goes on to explain that while Dr. Martin has a lot of vision, his relationship with Anne has helped give him a different perspective on how the campus runs, and looks.

Keywords: social events; university president

Subjects: Anne Martin Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky University