Camp, Dr Truman 1973-05-16

Dr. Truman Camp, former head of the Texas Tech English Department, discusses his work and experiences at Tech from 1935 through the administration of William Whyburn. He relates the development of the English Department, its interaction with other departments and administrators, and examines major controversies at Tech.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Dr. Truman Camp

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: May 16, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family background and early life reviewed, Educated at Yale and taught at University of Texas, 1922 to 1935, First years at Tech recalled, Outstanding students named, Surveys living conditions and campus conditions, Arbor day and campus maintenance cited, Claims that plains environment was conducive to heart failure, Tech salaries and Lubbock theaters mentioned, Attitudes on John Granberry expressed, Recollections of new library building and Clifford Jones controversy

Tape 1, Side 2: Clifford Jones characterized, Refused leave of absence for World War II, Perception of Tech's attitude toward scholarship revealed, Character of Tech faculty studied, Description of William Curry Holden's museum, Notes character of Tech students, Student dances discussed, Miss Mozelle Craddock recalled, Dr. William Whyburn's administration examined, Community support of Clifford Jones related, Discussion of Tech-community conflict, Named to be Chairman of English department

Tape 2, Side 1: Discussion of acquisition of department head position (continued), Lists post-war problems in administering English department, Technical-Humanities conflicts discussed, Tech machinery for handling foreign students and problems with foreign students reviewed, Levels criticism of textile engineering department, Institute of Americanism and J. Evetts Haley described, Speculation on political climate of Tech, Establishing a doctoral program in English remembered, Mentions interdisciplinary American studies program

Tape 2, Side 2: Recollections concerning Tech name-change controversy, Explores Abernethy-Greenberg-Stensland controversy, Expression of attitudes toward the Lola Beth Green controversy, Machinery for promotions reviewed, Mention of marriage, international camping trips, publications, and Texas Conference of College Teachers of English

Tape 3, Side 1: Names reasons for coming West, Contrasts Central and West Texas students, Tech dances reviewed, Comments on dorm administration and student behavior, Recollections on Tech administration and English staff, Controversy on the English/Business Administration building, Cites origin of English doctoral program, Grover Murray's administration characterized, Asserts influence of Governor Preston Smith, Discussion of American studies program

Tape 3, Side 2: Expresses attitude toward new doctoral program, Comments on Tech athletics, Defense doctoral grants (FDEA) and doctoral programs discussed, Mentions name-change controversy again, Speculation on Tech machinery for promotion, Problems of writing the Tech catalog explained, Served on Library Committee

Tape 4, Side 1: Discussion of Library Committee work (continued), Teaching assistants program reviewed, Attitudes toward teaching English expressed, Mentions retirement as department head, Work with College Teachers of English recalled

Tape 4, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1922-1973

Bulk Dates: 1922-1973

Access Information

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Transcript:

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