ASU Retirees Association (ASURA) Video History Project Interviews

Kristin Valentine came to ASU in 1976 and joined the Communication faculty in the Fine Arts College. She retired as professor of Human Communication in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication twenty-eight years later. Kristin describes what oral interpretation of literature is and the interview includes numerous examples of oral interp and how it enhanced the transfer of new ideas to an audience / community. The interview covers the creation of the School of Public Programs and the changing role of women at ASU. The interview ends with a discussion of the importance of community.

Brian Foster came to ASU in 1980 as Associate Professor of Anthropology. He became chair in 1982, then was Dean of the Graduate College from 1986 to 1994. He went on to the University of Nebraska as Dean of Arts and Sciences. He served as Provost at the University of New Mexico ( 2000 - 2005) and at the University of Missouri (2005 - 2014). He is Provost Emeritus and Professor of Anthropology Emeritus at the University of Missouri - Columbia. In the interview, Brian describes his early life and education in Dixon IL before entering college at age 28. Brian's varied University academic experiences bring a unique view of the current state of University education and particularly of the pioneering changes taking place at Arizona State University.

Charles Allen graduated from ASU in 1960; worked at KAET for four years; moved to Allentown PA; worked in Hollywood for 14 years; returned to KAET in 1980; and retired in 1995 as the third Director of KAET. His interview is divided into three videos: Early Years, ASC/U Years, and KAET Years. There are stories about the name change, the Tempe campus (size and faculty), Kay Gammage and Al Michaels. There are ten Hollywood stories many involving well know Hollywood personages. As Program Director of KAET, Allen recounts two memorable programs: the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Sandra Day O’Conner and the live coverage of an open heart surgery.

Roy Doyle was born and raised in Arizona, the son of a cotton farmer and a teacher. Roy’s father passed away when he was in the 6th grade leaving his mother to raise 3 boys and a daughter. Roy began his working career as a morning and evening paper boy for the Arizona Republic and the Gazette. After high school, he enrolled in what was then Arizona State Teachers College to pursue a degree in Education. His college career was interrupted by the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the war, he returned to ASTC, along with his new bride, to complete his degree.

His first position after graduation was at the Madison School in Phoenix. During the summers, he attended the Teachers College at Columbia University where he earned his masters and PhD in Education and Administration. He returned to now named Arizona State University where he began his career in the College of Education. His first position was as Principal of the Payne Training School, an on-campus K-8 school designed as a training school for future teachers. He served as assistant and associate dean for the College of Education prior to his retirement.

Donald (Don) Dotts began his association with ASU first as a student and then as a staff member in the ASU Alumni Association. He later became the Director of the Alumni Association before moving to the Development Office to work as a fund raiser prior to his retirement.

This interview recaps Don’s experiences working with the founder of the Alumni Association, Jimmy Creasman in developing the Alumni Association as well as his continued work in expanding the role of the Alumni Association at ASU. He also recaps experiences working for the various University Presidents who served during his tenure at ASU. He has many, many stories that will hold your attention as you listen to this interview!

Troy Crowder received his undergraduate degree in journalism with a minor in education from the University of South Dakota. He received his masters degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. He began his college/university career serving in university relations at various college/universities across the nation. He came to ASU in 1970 and remained here until he retirement in 1986. He talks about many things in this interview, but almost always refers, in some sense, to the financial difficulties of running the University.