WKU News & Events

May 31, 2002

WKU To Rename Residence Hall
To Honor John Minton

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University's Board of Regents today voted to rename a

residence hall to honor former WKU President John Minton.

Central Hall will soon be changed to Minton Hall in honor of Western's fifth president. Dr. Minton was originally named interim president from January to August of 1979 during the search for a successor to the retiring Dero Downing. The Board of Regents changed his title to president after Dr. Donald Zacharias was named president.

"Dr. Minton took on tremendous responsibility as he led the University through that transitional period," WKU President Gary Ransdell said. "He continued to serve as administrative vice president, and later took on the additional role of vice president for student affairs. His service to Western spans many facets of the University."

Born in Trigg County in 1921, Dr. Minton received bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Kentucky and his doctorate from Vanderbilt University, even though his education was interrupted by the Korean War and a stint in the U.S. Navy. He returned to his home to be principal of Trigg County High School for five years before he was recruited to the history faculty by former Western President Kelly Thompson.

His rise through the academic and administrative ranks at Western spanned 28 years, formally ending with his retirement in 1986. Dr. Minton continued to teach, and has continued to be visible on campus and during University functions.

"Dr. Minton's career is intricately woven into the fabric of the history of Western Kentucky University," Dr. Ransdell said. "This is a fitting and well-deserved tribute."

Central Hall is a 10-story high rise that was built in 1962 and is situated in the center of campus. It houses 398 female students. It is scheduled to undergo renovation in 2002-03 and a dedication ceremony will be held in the fall.

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