Topic: Human Sexuality-AIDS Education
Interview of Connie Hubbell, May 21, 2025
Interviewed by Mark Tallman
Connie Hubbell is well-known in state government circles as an effective advocate for education, mental health, and health care for seniors. In this oral history interview, she recalls her service on the State Board of Education -- for three terms -- and her time as President of the National Association of State Boards of Education. She recalls one of the significant accomplishments while on the Kansas state board leading it to mandate human sexuality AIDS education in Kansas public schools. Hubbell also recalls setting the stage for the inclusion of special education students into regular classrooms. Show MoreThat move began under her leadership of the National Association of State Boards of Education. She followed that experience with a run for Kansas Lt. Governor on the ticket with gubernatorial hopeful Fred Kerr. Although they were not successful, three governors subsequently noticed her management skills and offered her positions in their administrations, beginning with Governor Graves who appointed her Secretary of Aging. She retired from the position of Director of Governmental Affairs for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services in 2021. Show Less