Reflections on a quarter century of leadership with Dr. Gary Gregg
A political cartoon that appeared in the UofL student newspaper The Louisville Cardinal upon news of Dr. Gregg's hire (Aug. 31, 1999).
By Natalie Tracy | Jan. 27, 2026
Not everyone welcomed Dr. Gary Gregg’s arrival to the McConnell Center in 2000. His hiring was, by his own recollection and others’, controversial, marked by concern about the direction the Center might take. However, 26 years on, Dr. Gregg’s leadership has undoubtedly created a record of growth, intellectual vibrancy and impact that has helped define the McConnell Center as it exists today.
Looking back, what Dr. Gregg remembers most from those early days is the generosity of colleagues who welcomed him despite differences. He points to the kindness of Paul Weber, who, though they “had very different outlooks on politics and philosophy,” believed deeply in the value of diverse voices and helped him succeed. In those early days, the Center was still defining its public presence. “When I arrived, the Center only had a small black and white brochure,” Dr. Gregg recalls. He worked to expand its visibility, convinced it was essential to show the wider world the seriousness of the Center’s mission and programs.
Asked to name a favorite memory from the past quarter century, Dr. Gregg can’t choose just one: “Every year is full of the most wonderful memories a man could ask for,” he says. He credits the Center’s students above all, calling them “a tremendous blessing,” and reflects fondly on the Distinguished Speakers, travel opportunities and seminars that “have changed my life” and “changed my mind.” “I have been blessed beyond measure by my time at the McConnell Center,” he adds.
As the Center looks ahead to its 35th anniversary in 2026, Dr. Gregg sees a moment for both reflection and renewal. Anniversaries, he says, are a time to appreciate those who built the Center while also learning from challenges along the way. “I honestly think our best years are still ahead of us,” he notes. “As we look back in appreciation and plan for the future, there are still new books to be published this year, new students to recruit, seminars to run, and overseas travel to manage,” he offered.