Kansas Governors
Kansas Governors
Kansas Governors
About this Collection
Kansas Governors is a collection of interviews of former governors most of whom served in the legislature or other other elected office prior to serving as governor. These interviews provide insight on how these governors developed their leadership as well as political and policy skills.
Interviews of John Anderson, December 15, 2003 and May 5, 2007
Interviewed by Bob Beatty and Mark Peterson
This transcript of two interviews of former Kansas Governor John Anderson, conducted in 2003 and 2007, are part of the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project. In these interviews Anderson described his path from a rural farm upbringing to his legal and political career, highlighting his roles as a prosecutor, state senator, and state Attorney General. In the interviews Anderson recalled his gubernatorial priorities, such as school consolidation and expanding state aid for higher education, while also defending his stance on enforcing the death penalty. Anderson offered an insider's perspective on bipartisan legislative strategy, the evolution of Show Morethe Kansas Republican Party, and the ethical responsibilities of public leadership.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors Collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. Show Less
Interview of William Avery, December 5, 2003
Interviewed by Bob Beatty
This 2003 transcript captures an oral history interview of Governor William Avery, who served as the Governor of Kansas from 1965 to 1967. During the interview, Avery recalls his journey from third-generation farmer to public servant, emphasizing how his involvement in as grassroots fight against creation of the Milford Reservoir propelled him into the state legislature and eventually the U.S. Congress. A theme of the interview is Avery’s commitment to state aid for education, a policy he championed despite knowing that the necessary tax increases and withholding systems would likely lead to his political defeat.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors Show Moreconducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors Collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. Show Less
Interview of Sam Brownback, December 2, 2024
Interviewed by Rex Buchanan
Sam Brownback reviews his service to Kansas beginning with his time as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture and extending through his terms as Governor. Brownback credits his upbringing on a farm in Linn County for development of his views on conservation and resource management. He recalled dealing with the farm crisis and water issues, particularly those involving the Ogallala Aquifer, during his tenure as Secretary of Agriculture. He described carrying his concern for water into his terms as Governor as a vision focused on long-term sustainability for the Ogallala. He also recalled using extensive public consultations to further policy Show Morechanges such as helping to eliminate the "use it or lose it" mentality in the approach to groundwater usage. Brownback described himself as a strong advocate for wind power, supporting development of wind farms, particularly in the central and western regions of the state. He also described extending the protection of the Flint Hills from wind farm development. In the interview, Brownback highlighted his pragmatic approach to policymaking and relationships developed during his public service career.
Highlights -- short excerpts from the interview
Interview of John Carlin, June 14, 2019
Interviewed by H. Edward (Ed) Flentje
This 2019 oral history interview focused on the experiences of John Carlin during his legislative career in the House of Representative from 1971-1978 where he led his caucus to achieve the majority party status, and his becoming only the second Democratic House speaker in the 20th Century. The interview contains anecdotes about his experiences in 4-H which he believed developed his leadership skills as well as the issues he embraced during his terms in the House. Carlin also candidly discussed the challenges he faced in working to overturn a veto of a governor of his party. Issues covered in this Show Moreinterview included prisons, the death penalty, reorganizing government, due process for teachers, court unification, centralization of the welfare system at the state level and the politics of roads and transportation. Carlin pointed to livestock judging as training for making decisions. Carlin found that learning to make fast, accurate decisions contributed to his political success.
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Transcripts of two earlier interviews of Carlin, conducted in 2004 and 2008 by professors Bob Beatty and Mark Peterson of Washburn University, are available on this site. Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews of former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors Collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. A 2026 interview of Carlin focusing on his tenure as Archivist of the United States is also available on this site. Show Less
Interviews of John Carlin, February 12, 2004 and March 10, 2008
Interviewed by Bob Beatty and Mark Peterson
This transcript of two oral history interviews of John Carlin, who served as the Governor of Kansas from 1979 to 1987. The interviews were conducted in February 12, 2004 and March 10, 2008 by Dr. Bob Beatty and Dr. Mark Peterson of Washburn University. In the interviews Carlin describes his transition from a dairy farmer in Saline County, KS to serving as governor of the state, exploring how his rural upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and practical decision-making skills. He recalls his unlikely 1978 election as governor over an incumbent, accomplishing goals in a Republican-controlled legislature through bipartisan cooperation, Show Moreand management of controversial issues such as utility reform, the death penalty, and the severance tax. The transcripts are part of the record of the shift from traditional politics to a more modern, issue-driven executive style during a period of significant economic and social transition for Kansas.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors Collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. Show Less
Interview of Bill Graves, December 5, 2022
Interviewed by Mike Matson
Mike Matson's 2022 interview of former Kansas Governor Graves shows the deep respect Matson has for the man he describes as "the last of the centrist, moderate Republican Kansas governors." The interview reveals the values that guided Graves throughout his 8 years in office--to whom much is given, much is expected. It shows how a well-grounded young man dealt with the news that the career for which he had prepared was no longer an option, and how he earned the respect of 73 percent of the state's voters resulting in a second term for Governor. Graves talked Show Moreabout his three most difficult decisions: replacing a US Senator (Dole), concealed carry and abortion restrictions. Graves concludes with a discussion of issues he thinks the Republican party should be embracing in the future. Following the interview, Matson wrote a column which summarized Bill Graves' success. A 2016 interview of Graves by Dr. Michael Smith of Emporia State University is published on this site. Two interviews of Graves conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University in 2004 and 2011 are also posted on this site. Show Less
Interview of Bill Graves, September 16, 2016
Interviewed by Michael Smith
Emporia State University Professor Michael Smith interviewed former Governor Bill Graves on the Kansas Wesleyan University campus, Graves’ alma mater, in the fall of 2016 before the November election. The interview covered events from Graves’ years in office as well as his thoughts on the state of Kansas politics in 2016 and the political changes in the Statehouse. This interview delves into some of the political situations Graves faced, particularly in his second term with challenges from fellow Republicans. Taken together, this interview, the 2022 interview of Graves by Mike Matson, and interviews of Show MoreGraves conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University in 2004 and 2011 form a picture of the changing nature of conservatism in Kansas politics and help define the meaning of Traditional Republican.
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The KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Smith for providing this interview and permission to publish it as part of the Kansas Governors collection. Show Less
Interview of Bill Graves, February 13, 2004
Interviewed by Bob Beatty
This transcript documents an interview of former Kansas Governor Bill Graves, conducted in 2004 by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University. The interview was part of a project by Washburn University to preserve the legacy of Kansas leaders. The Kansas Oral History project is grateful to Dr. Beatty for providing the transcript and granting permission for it to be included the the KOHP Kansas Governors Collection. In the interview, Graves reflects on his "high and tight" campaign slogan which reflected his emphasis on fiscal efficiency and discusses his efforts to balance internal Republican party friction Show Morebetween moderate and conservative factions. Graves describes his commitment to infrastructure investment, the privatization of social services, and the personal joy of adopting his daughter while serving as Governor. The interview is a reflection on the executive mindset, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with a talented cabinet and maintaining a calm, pragmatic approach to governance. Considered together, this interview, the 2022 interview of Graves by Mike Matson, the 2016 interview of Graves by Dr. Michael Smith of Emporia State University, and the other interview of Graves conducted by Beatty in 2011 form a picture of the changing nature of conservatism in Kansas politics and help define the meaning of Traditional Republican.
Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors Collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here.
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Interview of Bill Graves, July 15, 2011
Interviewed by Bob Beatty
In this 2011 interview, former Governor Bill Graves discusses his political career. The interview was conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty for the Kansas Institute of Politics. Graves describes his path from family-owned trucking business to his unexpected entry into public service, emphasizing how the combination of private-sector values and speech and debate training shaped his leadership style. He reflects on his tenure as Kansas Secretary of State and his subsequent election as a centrist Republican governor, detailing his efforts to navigate the growing ideological divide between moderates and conservatives within his party. Key decisions are highlighted, including development of Show Morehis transportation initiative, the selection of a successor for U.S. Senator Bob Dole, and his approach to budgetary crises. Considered together, this interview, the 2022 interview of Graves by Mike Matson, the 2016 interview of Graves by Dr. Michael Smith of Emporia State University, and the other interview of Graves conducted by Beatty in 2004 form a picture of the changing nature of conservatism in Kansas politics and help define the meaning of Traditional Republican.
Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors Collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here.
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Interview of Mike Hayden, June 13, 2018
Interviewed by H. Edward (Ed) Flentje
This 2019 oral history interview of former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden focuses on his service in the Kansas Legislature and his development as a politician and policy leader. Hayden shares anecdotes about his seven terms in the Kansas House, beginning with his quest to get then-Speaker Pete McGill to appoint him to the Advisory Council on Ecology and his speech on the floor of the House to kill the "mad dog" bill which did away with county welfare departments. The interview includes a discussion comparing the styles of various legislative leaders and what they taught him. Hayden's interest in water Show Morepolicy, conservation, and environmental education extended into his term as Governor. He championed public lands, an issue which he carried into his nine years as Secretary of Wildlife and Parks under three different governors. Hayden discusses the death penalty and many of the issues that were the basis for constitutional amendments under Governor Carlin and which Hayden handled as House Speaker. He also discusses the rising interest in abortion as the start of a more conservative, far-right movement. The interview includes many examples of how leaders with whom Hayden served framed the debate to their advantage. He concluded the interview by discussing the constant need to balance the state's interests with the those of local constituencies. Hayden characterized his service in the Legislature as good training to run for Governor.
Another oral history interview of Hayden may be found in the Reflections on Water collection on this site.
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Interviews of Mike Hayden, November 24, 2003 and September 29, 2008
These interviews of Governor Mike Hayden, were conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project. The interviews provide a look at Hayden's path from a rural upbringing in northwest Kansas to the state's highest elected office. Hayden reflects on how his identity as a Vietnam veteran and his family’s deep roots in public service provided him with the determination necessary to navigate the legislative landscape and rise to the position of Speaker of the House. In these interviews, Hayden also describes his leadership style and strategic focus on Show Moregrassroots rural support, which proved essential in passing a landmark comprehensive highway plan and managing the political fallout of property tax reappraisal. This interview adds to the historical record of Kansas politics in the 1980s, emphasizing the responsibility of governance and the importance of maintaining public trust through honest, if sometimes difficult, policy decisions. A unique perspective on Kansas policymaking emerges from consideration of this interview in conjunction with KOHP interviews of Hayden conducted in 2018 and 2021.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and priorities of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. Show Less
Interviews of Mark Parkinson, December 14, 2010 and March 27, 2021
Interviewed by Bob Beatty and Amber Dickinson
These transcripts are from oral history interviews of former Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson conducted in 2010 and 2021 by Washburn University faculty members Dr. Bob Beatty and Dr. Amber Dickinson. The interviews explored Parkinson’s unconventional political path from Republican member of the Kansas House in 1991, to State Republican Party Chair in 1999, to the Democratic nomination to the office of Lieutenant Governor in 2006 and onto the office of Governor in 2009. He discussed the leadership and business-minded philosophy he employed as governor to guide the state through an economic recession. During the interviews Parkinson also highlighted Show Morepolicy achievements in renewable energy, public health, and transportation. He also reflected on the power of ideas, the role of luck and tenacity in a public career, and the complexities of governing during a period of partisan polarization.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. The article also linked below and downloadable, “ 'You Can Get a Hell of a Lot Done as a Governor': A Conversation with Former Governor Mark Parkinson," edited by Grant Armstrong, Bob Beatty, and Amber Dickinson, is excerpted from the 2010 and 2021 interviews. The article was published in the Spring 2022 issue of Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains and is reprinted here with permission. The questions were removed and footnotes added during preparation of the transcripts for publication as a journal article. The Kansas Oral History Project is grateful to the Kansas Historical Foundation for allowing us to post the article as part of the collection of interviews of Kansas Governors. Show Less
Interview of Kathleen Sebelius, October 28, 2022
Interviewed by Joan Wagnon and Duane Goossen
Kathleen Sebelius ran for the legislature to "go home." Her kids were ages two and five and she was eager to get out of a demanding job to spend more time at home--better work-life balance. In her 2022 oral history interview, she discussed the changes in the culture of the legislature and state government she experienced over the 30-plus years she served in public office. She observed that when both US Senate seats for Kansas came open in 1996, and Sam Brownback challenged incumbent Sheila Frahm for one of the seats, a fissure Show Morewas created in the Republican party. Sebelius observed the insurance industry being very partisan and tilted toward the industry interests. Her discussion of budget issues during her terms as governor reveals her problem-solving process, even though her time in office was bookended by recessions. School finance also posed some unique challenges during her administration because the Great Recession got in the way of the court's mandates. Phill Kline, the Kansas Attorney General at the time urged Republicans to do nothing regarding school finance. The BEST teams created in the Sebelius administration were important to solving the budget crisis. This interview concludes with discussion of her selections of Lt. Governors and her experiences at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and her activities after leaving government service.
Considered together, this interview, interviews of Sebelius by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn university conducted in 2004 and 2016, and KOHP interviews conducted in 2023 and 2026 present a unique look at Kansas policymaking. Show Less
Interview of Kathleen Sebelius, March 8, 2004
Interviewed by Bob Beatty
This 2004 oral history interview of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University as part of the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project. At the time if this interview she was halfway through her first term as governor. Sebelius described her political lineage as the daughter of an Ohio governor and her transition from a volunteer to a Democratic leader in a Republican-leaning state. Throughout the interview, she reflected on the visibility and intensity of the role of governor, emphasizing her commitment to consumer advocacy, bipartisan cooperation, and fiscal responsibility. Considered Show Moretogether, this interview, a set of interviews also conducted by Dr. Beatty in 2016, and interviews of Sebelius conducted by KOHP in 2022, 2023, and 2026 provide insights into the approach of Kansas' second woman governor and the state's political landscape in the first decade of the 21st Century.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and priorities of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. Show Less
Interviews of Kathleen Sebelius by Bob Beatty, August 15 and September 22, 2016
Interviewed by Bob Beatty
In these 2016 interviews, former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius describes her family heritage, entry into politics, and career as a public servant in Kansas. The interviews were conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University. Sebelius describes the influence of her father, John Gilligan, whose commitment to moral courage and civil rights provided a model for principled leadership and retail politics. Gilligan served in Congress and as governor of Ohio. Sebelius details her own political ascent, from serving in the Kansas Legislature to her election as governor. In this interview, Sebelius describes dealing with long-time Show Morestate issues such as school finance and economic development along with newer issues such as tribal gaming compacts and the increasingly complex the healthcare environment. Excerpts of this interview and 2004 and 2008 interviews of Sebelius by Washburn University faculty were published in Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains 40 (Winter 2017-2018): 262-289. Read together, this interview, the 2004 Beatty interview, and KOHP interviews of Sebelius in 2022, 2023, and 2026 present a unique look at Kansas policymaking.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. Show Less