DescriptionThe following is an unrehearsed, taped interview with William E. Sexton, a 1957 graduate of Eastern who served as Dean of Applied Arts and Technology and as Vice President of Public Services and Special Programs at Eastern. This interview was conducted in conjunction with the Alumni Project at Eastern Kentucky University.
LocationRichmond, KY
Duration:56:49
Time Summary00:00 - 01:00 Introduction.
01:00 - 02:00 William E. Sexton, born September 30, 1930, in Carlisle, Kentucky. Parents Clyde and Ethel Sexton. Graduated from Carlisle High School in 1948.
02:00 - 04:20 Entered University of Kentucky. Early problems at U.K. -- lack of preparation. Dropped out, then persuaded by friend to enroll at Eastern, spring of 1949.
04:20 - 06:00 1949-51 attended Eastern, then left to serve in Air Force four years. Married in 1952. Went back to school in 1955.
06:00 - 07:20 Changed attitude toward school, education. Graduated 1957, joined faculty that fall. Influence of Mr. Ralph Whalen.
07:20 - 09:00 Talks about Ralph Whalen.
09:00 - 10:00 Faculty of industrial technology department.
10:00 - 14:00 Graduate work at University of Illinois while teaching at Eastern. 1960's "golden age of higher education". Attainment of university status by Eastern. Encouragement of Robert Martin. Attended University of Missouri for doctorate.
14:50 - 21:40 Return to EKU. Changes in Eastern's organization. Served as Dean of Applied Arts and Technology, then was appointed Vice President over Public Services and Special Programs. Leadership of Eastern in establishing programs in law enforcement, nursing, industrial technology, etc.
21:40 - 27:00 Decline of higher education boom. Cost of construction and maintenance of buildings, difficulties of renovations.
27:00 - 31:50 Administration of O'Donnell -- evaluation. Members of O'Donnell's staff.
31:00 - 45:10 Continuation of discussion of staff. Evaluation of Robert Martin's administration.
45:10 - 50:10 Administration of J.C. Powell.
50:10 - 52:40 J.C. Powell discussed.
52:40 - 56:30 Summary of years at Eastern -- describes as eventful. Has memories of rewarding years there.
Restrictionsnone
RightsContact Special Collections and Archives, Crabbe Library, Eastern Kentucky University for reproductions, rights and permission to publish.