Katie Couric and a camera crew stopped by Lexington over the weekend to direct a national spotlight on communications professor Alan DeSantis.
“60 Minutesâ€, known for its in-depth news stories, came to UK to unveil the prevalence of cognitive enhancement drugs on college campuses. In June, the show’s associate producer contacted DeSantis for information on his research on drugs such as Adderall, to be used as background information for the show.
However, after learning how common the drug was, the program’s crew traveled to the state for a sit-down interview.
“It’s about being the right researcher at the right time and researching something people haven’t picked up on,†DeSantis said.
The producers of “60 Minutes†and Couric flew in to meet and interview DeSantis and several UK students over the weekend.
DeSantis credits his draw to the topic to the proximity and involvement with the undergraduate population.
“I was writing a book about the Greek system, and all the Greeks were talking about Adderall very nonchalantly,†he said. “They weren’t hiding it like marijuana or cocaine, Adderall was something like coffee to them.â€
DeSantis selected several students from his classes to be part of the interviews.
“Any time there is a story about Kentucky, we’re portrayed in a negative light, by not the greatest spokespeople,†DeSantis said. “I really wanted to make sure my students were smart, articulate, camera friendly … and they were all that.â€
Scott Qualmann, a landscape architecture senior, was one of the students interviewed. Qualmann said he does not use Adderall and does not judge those who do.
“People need to be aware that maybe it isn’t the best idea to take Adderall,†he said. “Just because we haven’t heard of any negative side affects doesn’t mean there aren’t adverse consequences.â€
Lauren Spears, a political science junior, said she did not mind to admit she used Adderall for test preparation.
“It’s something I agree needs to be researched by older generations, so I didn’t have a problem saying I used Adderall because I want to help educate other people,†Spears said.
Cognitive enhancement drugs are a generational issue, DeSantis said. His research findings reveal that college students turn to the drug because it is increasingly accessible and inexpensive.
Additionally, students do not perceive the practice as drug use because students become focused and driven to perform better rather than escape from reality, DeSantis said.
“They said they are now expected to (perform) better in a shrinking job market and in an increasingly competitive college market, DeSantis said. “Students believe the bar is being raised, which is an interesting perspective to take.â€
The segment will not air until February, but for now, DeSantis is hopeful about the piece.
“This is going to be one of those stories that shocks and horrifies moms and dads, but it’s more than just talking about its use,†DeSantis said. “We’re trying to engage in a moral and philosophical question about its use.â€
this is ridiculous. I don’t see any factual information to back up that, “Adderall was something like coffee to them.” He could not possibly have interviewed the majority of the Greek population. And not hiding it like marijuana or cocaine? Please, if this university has a problem with any kind of drug it is the issue of the WHOLE university. Where is the information on the non-Greek commnity who may or may not be abusing drugs? I thought journalism was about presenting the facts in an unbiased and accurate account? There is no quotes from anyone in the Greek community that disagrees or does not abuse drugs. I am not pro or anti-Greek, but a fair representation is appropriate.
If you took a minute you’d realize Desantis looked at the campus population, not just Greeks.