Remembering former dean Lyman V. Ginger

Lyman Ginger, dean of the College of Education from 1956 - 1967

Lyman V. Ginger, distinguished education leader and the third dean of the UK College of Education, died March 1, 1999, at Hospice Care Center in Lexington.

Dr. Ginger, a former teacher, principal, and coach, was dean of the College of Education from 1956-67. He came to the University of Kentucky as director of the University School in 1944. Later, he chaired the Department of Instruction and placed student teachers. He also served as dean of the College of Adult and Extension Education for two years.

Many teachers, principals, and superintendents remember Dr. Ginger for his work as Kentucky’s Superintendent of Schools from 1972-76. He also served on Governor Combs’s Commission on Public Education and was the first chair of the Kentucky Commission on Post-Secondary Education.

Leaders from around the nation recall Dr. Ginger as president of the National Education Association. In 1957, he became the first Kentuckian to be elected to this position.

After he retired from the University, Dr. Ginger served on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council and the Fayette County School Board. He also headed Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington and later served as executive director of the Cardinal Hill Foundation.

When interviewed for the 75th anniversary issue of the College of Education Network, Dr. Ginger spoke with great affection for the College of Education. When asked about his greatest accomplishments, he said he was proudest of the Minimum Foundation Program that set basic levels of state funding for every school in Kentucky. He also spoke of the wonderful faculty assembled for the University School and later for the College of Education.

After his retirement from UK, Dr. Ginger remained actively involved in College of Education activities. He helped plan and participated in many events related to the celebration of the college’s 75th anniversary. He regularly attended the recognition ceremony for our graduates, the reception for doctoral students, development luncheons, and retired faculty functions.

To celebrate Dr. Ginger’s 80th birthday in 1988, the College sponsored a birthday party on the lawn of Taylor Education Building. At the event, the establishment of the Lyman V. Ginger Scholarship was announced. Over the years, numerous students have benefited from this scholarship fund.

Shirley C. Raines, dean of the College of Education, said, “We will miss Dr. Ginger’s keen memory, quick wit, and generosity. I will treasure my own memories of his sage advice for me as a new dean and his humorous stories.”

Dr. Ginger was 91. He is survived by his sons, Leslie Thomas Ginger and William Wesley Ginger, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorial services for Dr. Ginger were held on March 4, 1999, at Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church in Lexington.