Herman Lee Donovan

Herman Lee Donovan
4th President of the
University of Kentucky
In office
1941–1956
Preceded byFrank L. McVey
Succeeded byFrank G. Dickey
5th President of
Eastern Kentucky University
In office
1928–1941
PrecedingThomas J. Coates
Succeeded byWilliam F. O'Donnell
Personal details
Born(1887-03-17)March 17, 1887
Maysville, Kentucky
DiedNovember 21, 1964(1964-11-21) (aged 77)
Lexington, Kentucky
Resting placeLexington Cemetery, Lexington, Kentucky

Herman Lee Donovan (March 17, 1887 – November 21, 1964) served as the fifth president of Eastern Kentucky University, known for keeping the university financially stable during the Great Depression. He then became the fourth president of the University of Kentucky during World War II. Donovan worked to desegregate UK and accommodated the influx of veterans coming in after the war.