Interview with Rocky Adkins, August 26, 2014

Partial Transcript: This is James Savage. I'm talking to Representative Rocky Adkins. Today is the 26th of August, 2014. We are at the KCTCS office in Versailles.

Segment Synopsis: Adkins describes the district he represents, his education, and his career before taking political office. He talks about his desire to improve eastern Kentucky. He describes his parents and family and compares his political role to playing basketball.

Keywords: 99th legislative district; Careers; Elliott County (Ky.); Morehead State University; Teaching

Subjects: Election districts--Kentucky.; Kentucky--Politics and government; Politicians--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: You went to the legislature at a very young age. Um. Who did you watch to learn to do these things that you're talking about? Who was your mentor?

Segment Synopsis: Adkins talks about his start in politics and receiving advice from other legislators. He describes his career path and what he learned from his various roles. He talks about being a young member of the legislature and what skills made him successful.

Keywords: Early career; Guidance; Mentors

Subjects: Kentucky--Politics and government; Kentucky. General Assembly. House of Representatives; Politicians--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Was this an open seat or did you challenge an incumbent, or?

Segment Synopsis: Adkins talks about his election as a state representative, his first campaign and his grandfather's support. He talks about issues he was faced with after his election, developing regional industrial parks, and serving as the budget chair for Economic Development and Tourism.

Keywords: Elections; Golf; Paul E. Patton; Raymond O. Brown; Sandy Hook (Ky.); Support

Subjects: Election districts--Kentucky.; Kentucky. General Assembly. House of Representatives; Political campaigns; Politicians--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Let's talk about Paul Patton. Um. You smiled a little bit. He's one of our favorite topics around here, too. We, we had a chance to, to meet him a couple of weeks ago and we're still all a little starstruck, I have to say.

Segment Synopsis: Adkins talks about Governor Patton's ability to garner support. He describes the opposition to educational reform, Patton's vision for the reform, and what KCTCS has accomplished. He talks about the resistance to separating the community colleges from their affiliation with the University of Kentucky. Adkins talks about Patton's tireless defense of House Bill 1. He discusses how the state has benefited from the organization of KCTCS.

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

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

Partial Transcript: Let's talk about that moment, the one of the more pivotal moments of KCTCS, the hiring of the first permanent president. The reason we're doing these interviews. Tell me about your relationship with Mike McCall. Or just tell me about Mike McCall.

Segment Synopsis: Adkins talks about what McCall has accomplished as president of KCTCS. He describes McCall's personality, skills, and how McCall interacts with others.

Keywords: Achievements; Ashland Community and Technical College

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

Partial Transcript: You mentioned earlier the Kentucky Coal Academy. And I have a, a note here that you described this as one of your greatest achievements in the legislature. Why is that?

Segment Synopsis: Adkins talks about developing the Kentucky Coal Academy to serve eastern and western Kentucky. He talks about his great support for KCTCS, especially its ability to adjust to economical changes. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Age of miners; Coal industry; Coal miners; Kentucky economics; Mining programs; Vocational training

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