Interview with Mary Louise Graham, March 9, 1992

Interview Summary

Louis Graham is a Professor of Law at the University of Kentucky. She was born in Beeville, Texas in 1943. In 1961, she attended the University of Texas, where she studied Latin-American Studies, and earned her B. A. in 1965. She later earned her J. D., and also holds a teacher's certificate. Graham received the Great Teacher Award from the UK Alumni Association. She talks about her decision to choose a law career, and recalls her work as a law clerk for the United States Court Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Texas. She came to Kentucky in 1978 after she decided to become a law professor. Graham states she was impressed with UK's Law School, and its emphasis on teaching and more contact with students. Graham talks about the day to day responsibilities of her position, including teaching, class preparation, and student advising. She describes at length the importance of class preparation.

Graham discusses her schedule as a university professor, and mentions her pro bono work. Graham notes that if someone wants to be a lawyer, they need to like writing and dealing with people. She sees her roles as one of counselor, negotiator, and advocate. Graham believes the greatest achievement of any university "is to produce graduates that are intelligent, motivated, and committed to making this a better state to live in." Graham would like see a university policy that places the emphasis on teaching. She thinks race as well as gender influences academic career possibilities, and mentions the Women's Report as proof of this. She also discusses the state funding for higher-education.

Interview Keyword

Nature of Academic Work

Interview LC Subject

Graham, Louise E. Graham, Louise E.--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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.