Richard Sullivan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska, served four years in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and then completed his MS and PhD from the University of Illinois before coming to MSU in 1955 as an assistant professor in the History Department where he taught ancient and medieval history. In 1961, Sullivan collaborated with Professor Harrison to produce a book on Western civilization. From 1967 to 1970 he served as the Chairman of the History Department during which time he was instrumental in improving the MSU Library. From 1970-1979 he served as both the Dean of Arts and Letters and the Director of the Humanities Research Center. Sullivan was awarded the honor of Distinguished Professor, established the Michigan Council for Humanities, and was a member of the College of Arts and Letters Dean’s Community Council. He retired from MSU in 1988. Topics/people covered in the interview include: Arthur, Pauline, Walter Adams; American Historical Association; Army Air Corps; Lawrence Boger; Breslin Student Events Center; John Cantlon; Richard Chapin; Henry Cole; Sandy Cuthbertson; Walter Fee; Jack Garrity; Al Glick; GI Bill; John Hannah; Edgar Harden; Joyce Hardy; Paul Hart; Alan Hollingsworth; medieval history; graduate work; Big Ten Accomplishment; distinguished professor; Cecil Mackey; Ethel McWhinney; Dave Mead; Ron Means; Medieval Academy; Michigan Council for the Humanities; Midwest Medieval Conference; William Morgan; National Endowment for the Humanities; James Niblock; Northeast Missouri State College; Russell Nye; professors refusing to teach; loyalty to MSU; Wharton Center; Lecture Concert series; David Scott; Dennis Sherman; James Soltow; University College; University of Illinois; University of Michigan; University of Nebraska; Ralph Votapek; Paul Varg; retraction in undergraduate enrollment; overseas programs; Jim Walsh; Wayne State University; Wharton Center for Performaing Arts; Clifton Wharton; Fred Williams; Clarence Winder; Dick Yorson
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