Interviewer
Ty Young
Files
Abstract
This interview was conducted by Ty Young with David Harmon for Young’s paper on coeducation at Winthrop University. Harmon attended Winthrop from 1975 to 1977, shortly after the university began its transition to coeducation. A lifelong resident of York County, Harmon had previously attended Clemson University before returning to the Rock Hill area to attend Winthrop. He discusses his decision to attend Winthrop, including the opportunity to receive a four-year education while living at home and avoiding the cost of room and board. He also describes his experiences as a day student and as one of a small number of male students on campus.
Harmon discusses his experiences as a biology major, noting that there were only a few male students in the biology program and that he was sometimes the only man in a classroom. He describes the initial adjustment to attending classes at a formerly all-female institution and contrasts Winthrop’s student population and campus atmosphere with his previous experiences at Clemson University. Harmon recalls that the small number of male students made them noticeable on campus but explains that once classes began, the gender composition of the classroom did not interfere with his focus on his education. He also discusses the friendships he developed at Winthrop and the role of Dinkins Student Center as a gathering place for male and day students.
The interview addresses Harmon’s perceptions of the quality of education he received at Winthrop and his subsequent career in environmental and utilities work. He reflects positively on his education and describes graduating from Winthrop in 1977 before beginning a career in environmental services and water and wastewater utilities. Harmon also discusses the limited athletic opportunities available to male students during his time at Winthrop and recalls following the development of Winthrop athletics after the transition to coeducation.
Harmon discusses his views on the reasons Winthrop transitioned from an all-female institution to coeducation. He identifies declining enrollment and the need to increase enrollment as important factors, while also describing the university’s desire to expand its educational opportunities and better serve the surrounding community. He reflects on the broader cultural changes taking place at the time and the opportunity for men and women to receive an education together. Harmon also discusses the effects of coeducation on Winthrop and Rock Hill, particularly the increased opportunity for local students to attend a four-year institution while living at home. He concludes by reflecting on Winthrop’s growth and changing role as a broad-based educational institution serving both men and women.
Publication Date
2-26-2019
Unique Identifier
OH 523
Format
MP3;
Length
00:14:27
Restrictions
Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University
Series
Coeducation
Recommended Citation
Harmon, James David, "Interview with David Harmon - OH 523" (2019). Winthrop University Oral History Program. OH 523.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/oralhistoryprogram/784