Topic: University of Kansas Cancer Center

Interview of Nick Jordan, April 10, 2024

Interviewed by Chris Courtwright

Nick Jordan served in the Kansas Senate from 1995-2008 when he retired to run for Congress. In 2010 he accepted an appointment as Kansas Secretary of Revenue. Later, Governor Brownback moved him to the position of Secretary of Commerce. This interview reveals his leadership style in passing several substantive pieces of legislation: Kansas Economic Growth Act, Kansas Bioscience Authority, numerous tax bills, and incentives for economic development and the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship. Jordan was regarded as one of the more powerful, productive and influential Senators in Kansas. His story, Show Moreas told in the interview covers his 40 - year career in the travel and tourism industry, his work in the Senate on economic development and his role in Governor Brownback's cabinet during the Kansas Great Depression. He speaks candidly about the Tax Experiment that characterized the Brownback administration. Nick Jordan's philosophy about how to succeed in an increasingly rancorous legislative environment reflects his Christian faith and a belief that treating people kindly, developing relationships regardless of political party is the best way to accomplish your goals. Show Less

Interview of Andy Tompkins, January 13, 2025

Interviewed by Mark Tallman

Andy Tompkins has had a leading role in education in Kansas that started in 1970 when he was hired to teach English in Hugoton. That job quickly became Principal and then Superintendent of three different districts until he was tapped in 1996 as Commissioner of Education. Tompkins recounted in this oral history interview the changes that took place in public education in Kansas during his career. Tompkins' interview toucheed on special education, "A Nation at Risk", the movement to improve education, standards and the 1992 School Finance Reform Act. He was able to explain why things Show Morechanged and with what result. Tompkins portrays skilled leadership and a trusted leader committed to improving education for all. Show Less