Interview with Crit Luallen, August 14, 2014

Interview Summary

Mrs. Luallen discusses her entry into politics working on the U.S. Senate campaign of then-Governor Wendell Ford; Ford's influence on her decision to enter a life of politics; her association with Paul Patton and her observations of his gubernatorial campaign; her hiring as first deputy cabinet secretary and then ascension to secretary; the 18-month study of higher education reform; the machinations behind reform and the public outcry over it; the building of the KCTCS system; the importance of the first permanent president; her disappointment in Patton's sexual scandal, and the political implications that she contends resonate still; her decision to run for auditor; the operations of the auditor's office; her audits of various government entities and convictions that resulted; her audit of the state's university systems; her pride in being a part of higher education reform; and her life in retirement.

Interview Keyword

Governor Paul Patton gubernatorial campaign Higher Education Reform KCTCS life of politics Office of State Auditor pride retirement sex scandal State Auditor U.S. Senate university systems

Interview LC Subject

Ford, Wendell H., 1924- Governors--Kentucky Higher education Political campaigns Politicians--Kentucky

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.