Interview with Greg Higdon, August 26, 2014

Partial Transcript: Alright. This is James Savage. I'm talking today to Greg Higdon. It is August 26, 2014. We are at the KCTCS office in Versailles. Tell me a little bit about your background. You are a native of Fancy Farm, Kentucky.

Segment Synopsis: Higdon talks about growing up in Fancy Farm, Kentucky. He describes the political activity of the town. He discusses where he went to school and the extracurricular activities in which he was involved. Higdon discusses being drafted during the Vietnam war. He talks about where he served in Vietnam and where he worked when he returned home.

Keywords: Army; Career; Fancy Farm (Ky.); Jobs; Personal history

Subjects: Kentucky--Politics and government; Politicians--Kentucky; Vietnam War, 1961-1975

Partial Transcript: Let's talk about that. Was that an open seat or were you challenging an incumbent?

Segment Synopsis: Higdon talks about his decision to run for Kentucky State Senate. He discusses his wife's support, his first trip to Frankfort, and reading bills. Higdon talks about the Kentucky Education Reform Act, his decision to not run for Congress, and being appointed deputy secretary of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Keywords: Career; Frankfort (Ky.); Governor Brereton Jones; Kentucky Education Reform Act; Kentucky State Senate; Wife

Subjects: Kentucky--Politics and government; Legislative bodies; Politicians--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Let's talk about that. You join the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, in '94? Is that right?

Segment Synopsis: Higdon discusses his involvement with the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the transition from legislator to lobbyist. He talks about his work for Government Strategies, trying to adapt after leaving the Senate, the name change of Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, and his learning curve as CEO.

Keywords: Administrative positions; Career; Governmental relations; Legislators; Lobbyists; Senators

Subjects: Kentucky--Politics and government; Legislative bodies; Politicians--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: How aware were you of the higher education reform that Governor Patton had put into place? Or had suggested?

Segment Synopsis: Higdon talks about his support of House Bill 1 and Governor Patton and the success of KCTCS. He talks about joining the Foundation Board and the relationship between the manufacturing sector and KCTCS. He talks about the change in education to better meet the needs of students.

Keywords: House Bill 1; Paul E. Patton; Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997; Tim Burcham

Subjects: Educational change--Kentucky.; Governors--Kentucky; Kentucky Community & Technical College System; Kentucky--Politics and government

Partial Transcript: You, in our earlier conversations, were very adamant about the system's growth. You talked about one issue in particular that you say was just top of the list. You--I know you know which one I'm talking about as far as the system's growth and its long term growth.

Segment Synopsis: Higdon talks more about the manufacturing sector's influence on education and the significance of KCTCS agency bonds. He talks about Dr. McCall’s leadership and how KCTCS has benefited from his presidency. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Agency bonds; Leaders; Michael B. McCall

Subjects: College presidents; Education, Higher--Kentucky.; Kentucky Community & Technical College System