Richard Wilson Papers

Title

Richard Wilson Papers

Date

1900-1999 (inclusive)

1961-1999 (inclusive)

Extent

8 Cubic Feet

Subjects

Education--Kentucky

Educational law and legislation

Journalism -- Kentucky

Kentucky -- Politics and government -- 20th century

Universities and colleges -- Kentucky.

Kentucky Kernel

Arrangement

Collection is arranged chronologically by date. One folder, located at the end of the collection, consists of historic front pages from the Louisville Courier Journal over time. Original folder names were retained when possible.

Finding Aid Author

Lacey Stewart, Anu Kasarabada

Preferred Citation

2009ms156: [identification of item], Richard Wilson papers, 1900-1999, bulk 1961-1900, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Repository

University of Kentucky

Biography / History

Richard "Dick" Wilson was born on July 11, 1937, in Towanda, Pennsylvania. He attended both Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky (UK), ultimately graduating from UK in 1966. As a student at UK, Wilson began writing for the Kentucky Kernel while studying in the College of Journalism and Media. After graduation, he worked as a reporter for The Lexington Leader in 1963 and then The Frankfort State Journal in 1964. In 1967, Wilson joined the Louisville Courier-Journal (The C-J), where he remained until his retirement as a bureau chief in 1999. During his years with The C-J, Wilson wrote about a variety of issues, but he became known for his coverage of education policy throughout Kentucky, from county school systems to colleges and universities across the Commonwealth. After retirement, Wilson was interim director of the UK School of Journalism and Media from 2002-2003. He also served as the coordinator for a state government internship based in Frankfort. On April 4, 2023, Wilson passed away in Lexington, Kentucky, where he had lived since the beginning of his long career.

Scope and Content

The Richard Wilson papers (dated 1900-1999, bulk 1961-1999; 8 cubic feet; 8 boxes) consist of news articles, notes, research, and correspondence documenting Wilson's career as a reporter at the Kentucky Kernel, The Lexington Leader, The Frankfort State Journal, and The Louisville Courier-Journal. The notes and research include interview transcripts, court filings, and typed and handwritten information that Wilson used to write his articles. There are also "string books," a collection of clippings and notes for editing purposes, that span his entire career. The correspondence documents communications with C-J colleagues regarding Wilson's articles and his position at the publication; also included are some personal letters addressed to both Wilson and his wife Deborah (Debbie). One folder located at the end of the collection consists of historic front pages published by The C-J from 1900 to 1969, including the Moon Landing and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Jr.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to researchers by appointment

Use Restrictions

The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.