Interview with John D Rowlett

Partial Transcript: My name is John Rowlett and I've been a member of the faculty of Eastern Kentucky University since September 1951...

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett introduces himself, his background in education, and his positions at Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College.

Keywords: 1951; Dr. Robert R. Martin; John Rowlett

Subjects: Eastern Kentucky State Teacher's College

Partial Transcript: When did you first meet Dr. Martin?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett discusses his first meetings with Dr. Robert Martin and his impressions of him. Rowlett explains that his first contacts with Dr. Martin were in connection with the self study by the commission on state colleges.

Keywords: commission of state colleges; university president

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin

Partial Transcript: In general how would you describe his general philosophy of education?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett describes Dr. Martin's ideas on education, what he holds as important. and his ideas for the needs for university expansion.

Keywords: appointment; enrollment; expansion; sales tax

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College Eastern Kentucky University Education

Partial Transcript: Could you compare and contrast the past personality of Dr. O'Donnell with Dr. Martin?

Segment Synopsis: John Rowlettt compares Dr. Martin to Dr. O' Donnell as President of Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College. He explains that while Martin wanted expansion and growth O' Donnell was happy with a smaller campus and programs. He goes on to detail that Martin was better at delegating his needs, and accepting criticism.

Keywords: criticism; growth

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Dr. W.F. O' Donnell Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College

Partial Transcript: What type of relationship did Dr. Martin have with students and faculty?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett explains the sometimes contentious relationships Dr. Martin had with students and faculty during his tenure as President. He describes how Dr. Martin maintained peace on campus during the upheaval of the 1960's and 70's. He explains that students knew that if they were to cause a scene they would be dealt with harshly.

Keywords: activism; censuring; civil unrest

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College Steve Wilborn

Partial Transcript: Why was Dr. Martin more successful than other state universities in acquiring funds and money to do what he did?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett explains that Dr. Martin was more equipped to gain access to funds for the university than perhaps other intuitions because of his background in finance. He goes on to say that Martin was just better prepared to asked for those funds and he used them with care.

Keywords:

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky University

Partial Transcript: How do you feel Dr. Martin got along with the Richmond community?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett describes Dr. Martin's relationship with Richmond as a community. He explains that Martin was on the Rotary Club, a deacon at a local church, and he knew the people of Richmond quite well.

Keywords: church deacon; community; rotary club

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Richmond, Kentucky

Partial Transcript: What were your responsibilities?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett describes his responsibilities at Eastern at the time of Dr. Martin's appointment and later.

Keywords: associate professor; Dean; School of Technology; visual arts

Subjects: Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College Eastern Kentucky University John Rowlett School of Technology

Partial Transcript: What kind of relationship did Dr. Martin have with the press?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett explains how Dr. Martin got along with the press in Kentucky during his time as president. He explains that he was favored by some more than others, but was civil with all the press. Rowlett does mention that Martin got on with the Richmond Register more than some of the other newspapers in the area because of the location.

Keywords: press; press coverage

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Lexington Herald leader Louisville Courier Journal Richmond Register

Partial Transcript: How was his relationship with former governors?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett explains that while he does not know much about Dr. Martin's relationships with former government officials, he does think Martin got along with most of them. Dr. Martin was close with Gov. Combs, and he had a mutual respect for Gov. Nunn who was supportive of the law enforcement school.

Keywords: politics; relationship

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Gov. Bert T. Combs Gov. Louie B. Nunn

Partial Transcript: Do you remember his relationship with the Council on Higher Education?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett describes Dr. Martin's relationship with the Council on Higher Education. He explains that Martin was in support of the council as long as they did not abuse their power, and infringe on his rights at the university.

Keywords: higher education

Subjects: Council on Higher Education Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky University Kentucky Universities

Partial Transcript: Could you talk about the growth of the law enforcement and nursing programs here, perhaps Dr. Martin's role and your own role for that matter, how did that come about?

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Rowlett describes how the nursing and law enforcement schools were created and grew during Martin's time at Eastern. He explains that the programs and enrollment grew as time went on. He also mentions that the Kentucky State Police asked to be involved in the school to help students.

Keywords: growth; law enforcement; nursing; programs; state police

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky University Kentucky State Police