Central Hall renamed for former president

Central Hall officially became Minton Hall Friday when the building was dedicated to John D. Minton, a former Western president.

Minton served as the fifth President of Western from Jan. 8 to Aug. 1, 1974. He was named interim president following the retirement of Dero Downing.

Minton spent most of his career at Western, but he also taught high school, served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Kentucky and a doctorate from Vanderbilt. He is an avid member of the Methodist Church.

“He is a terrific part of the university,” said President Gary Ransdell. “He was my mentor, and it gives me a lot of personal satisfaction.”

Minton said having this building dedicated in his honor is pleasing because it’s in the heart of campus, where he most enjoyed doing his work.

“I thinks it’s really exciting to have this building named after someone so distinguished,” said Jeanne Lady, hall director of Minton.

Megan Engle