Here, in his own words, is the story of a small-town Indiana boy who became a university president, scholar, world traveler, and education consultant to governments and universities on four continents. The Kentucky Legislature named Dr. A. D. Albright the state’s “Dean of Higher Education” (1982). The Cincinnati Post honored him as one of “100 Who Made a Difference in the Cincinnati Area in the Last 100 Years”(2000), and Kentucky Educational Television named him “Distinguished Kentuckian” (1991). Among his many honorary degrees and awards is the St. Mary’s Medallion from the University of Leuven in Belgium.
Nothing in young Arnold’s heritage or rural upbringing would have predicted the accomplishments in his future. Born in a Washington, D.C., hospital in 1913 to a mother whose family and burial place are unknown. Left motherless at age two and a half. Taken by his Marine Corps officer dad at age three to meet the President of the United States, then to northern Indiana farm country to be reared by his grandparents and an aunt and uncle.
Learned to read in a sod hut on a Saskatchewan prairie homestead. Returned to Indiana with “Uncle” and “Tem” when drought terminated the homestead venture. Began first grade in a small country school. Forced by lack of funds to drop out of college for two years following his freshman year. A. D. Albright credits his Aunt Em (“Tem”), who never went beyond eighth grade, with instilling in him his lifelong love of learning.
This personal narrative, a gift of love for his grandchildren, gives intimate glimpses into both the private and professional life of Dr. A. D. Albright that will delight not only his family but friends, colleagues and casual acquaintances. Dr. Albright and Grace, his wife of 67 years, reside at Wesley Village in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Shirley McMillan, a writer living in Wilmore, Kentucky, assisted with compiling and editing these memoirs.
