Interview with Tim Mosher, August 6, 2014

Partial Transcript: This is James Savage. I am talking today to Tim Mosher, uh, the first chair of the--were you the first chair of the KCTCS Foundation?

Segment Synopsis: Mosher introduces himself and describes his career path and education. He talks about the controversy regarding the decision to reorganize the community college system.

Keywords: American Electric Power; Ashland (Ky.); Career; Education reform; Founding chair; House Bill 1; Kentucky Power Company; Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997

Subjects: Community Colleges--Kentucky; Education, Higher--Kentucky.; Educational change--Kentucky.; University of Kentucky. Community College System

Partial Transcript: So, the bill passes, you know, Governor Patton's greatest legacy, I would, I would argue. Um. As someone who was in industry during that period, what benefits do you believe this sort of combined system pro--could have provided? I mean, obviously, were you for this move, based on that?

Segment Synopsis: Mosher talks about supporting the reorganization of the community and technical colleges. He discusses assisting in developing technical programs for the institutions. He talks about being approached to be a member of the KCTCS Foundation. He talks about other people involved in the Foundation Board.

Keywords: Consolidation; Higher education; House Bill 1; Martha Johnson; Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997; Reform; University of Kentucky Community College System; Vocational training

Subjects: College trustees.; Educational change--Kentucky.; Kentucky Community & Technical College System

Partial Transcript: Building this Board from the ground up, what are the--what were the challenges that you all faced in doing that?

Segment Synopsis: Mosher talks about the early obstacles of the KCTCS Foundation Board as well as fundraising efforts for the system. He describes how he was recruited for the Board and how he recruited other members.

Keywords: Challenges; Community college systems; Fundraising; Goals; KCTCS Foundation Board; Michael B. McCall; Recruitment; Tim Burcham

Subjects: College trustees.; Kentucky Community & Technical College System

Partial Transcript: Tell me a little bit about, um, you know, those initial, particularly the, the Fulfilling the Promise Campaign. How, how did that develop? And what was its main goals?

Segment Synopsis: Mosher discusses others he worked with in the Fulfilling the Promise Campaign. He talks about being appointed as chairman of the board and his relationship with Dr. McCall. He describes McCall's personality and attributes and relates an incident of working with McCall on a gala.

Keywords: Fundraising; KCTCS Foundation Board; Michael B. McCall; Relationship; Support; Thomas Zawacki; Tim Burcham

Subjects: College presidents; Community college trustees; Kentucky Community & Technical College System

Partial Transcript: Now, let's talk a little bit about, because the, the idea of asking people for money is always a difficult one. Um, Dr. McCall certainly probably would agree with that, having to go to the legislature quite a bit, and ask them for money.

Segment Synopsis: Mosher talks about McCall's political involvement. He discusses spending time with McCall. Mosher talks about the significance of the Lineman Technology Program at Ashland Community and Technical College and its association with Kentucky Power. He talks about retiring as chairman of the board.

Keywords: Ashland (Ky.); KCTCS Foundation Board; Kentucky Power; Lineman Technology Program; Michael B. McCall; Politics

Subjects: College presidents; Community college trustees; Kentucky Community & Technical College System; Technical education--Kentucky.

Partial Transcript: But something that you didn't ask, you know, Mike McCall came here from South Carolina. There were some questions, too, about, okay, if we're going to do this wonderful thing for Kentucky, why can't we do it with an educator from Kentucky?

Segment Synopsis: Mosher discusses the concern of McCall not being an educator from Kentucky and the benefits of hiring someone who was not local. He talks more about McCall's leadership skills. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Abilities; Achievements; Michael B. McCall

Subjects: College presidents; Kentucky Community & Technical College System