Madison, Wisconsin: University Archives and Records Management Services
Summary
Dr. Ben R. Lawton came to the University of Wisconsin as an undergraduate in 1940, and earned his M.D. from the UW Medical School in 1946. Dr. Lawton served on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents from 1976 until his death in May of 1987. His service on the board included terms as vice president in 1980 and 1981, chairmanship of the Education Committee, and two one-year terms as president in 1984 and 1985. In addition to his distinguished record of service to the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Lawton made a major contribution to the medical profession in Wisconsin. He was president of the UW Medical Alumni Association in 1961-62. He served as president of the Wisconsin Surgical Society, chairman of the Governor's Health Policy and Program Council, and president of the Marshfield Clinic, one of the nation's leading rural health maintenance organizations. This is not an oral history interview in the usual sense. Laura Smail sent Dr. Lawton a list of questions and at some point in March, 1987, he answered them, using a tape recorder. Ardelle Specht, Dr. Lawton's secretary, spoke to him about doing the interview. She then made all the arrangements for the interview, and when it was done transcribed the tapes. In this interview, Dr. Lawton discusses his undergraduate at University of Wisconsin in the 1940s and how he financed his education. He recalls learning from professors Wolfe and McElvain. He gives his assessment of successive UW-System presidents during his tenure as a regent. Lawton explains the friction between President O'Neil and Chancellor Shain. He talks about the job of a regent and the relationship between that role and state politics. Lawton talks about the salary catch-up issue and system president appointments. He finishes the interview with his thoughts about higher education and his appreciation for the opportunities he had while working with the university.