John Carlin's work ethic has played an integral role in his life.

The visiting professor of the School of Leadership Studies and veteran of Kansas politics seems to have learned that trait at a young age. Raised on a dairy farm near Smolan, Kan., a small town in Saline County, Carlin was quickly immersed in a culture of hard work. The culture manifested itself into a diverse array of high school involvement in 4-H and FFA activities. Involvement with those organizations proved beneficial for Carlin in terms of experience and beyond.

"Without a doubt it had a huge influence," he said. "It gave me an opportunity to develop some decision-making skills that stayed with me forever."

Carlin entered K-State in 1958. He was active in a number of organizations, including Farm House Fraternity, the judiciary branch of the Student Governing Association, the dairy judging team and Blue Key, amongst others. At the conclusion of his college education in 1962, Carlin left with a bachelor's degree in dairy science (then dairy husbandry). He returned to Smolan and began conducting the family's dairy operation.

"That was the plan," he said. "I was doing what I was, in some ways, expected to do and wanted to do."

During this time, Carlin served as a Democratic precinct committeeman, fulfilling an interest in politics. His position, involving little opposition and little responsibility, seemed to be a perfect fit for the young dairy farmer, until a simple twist of fate changed everything.

In September of 1968, a story appeared in the nearby Salina Journal about a Democratic candidate for the legislature moving out of the district and the subsequent search for a replacement. The law allowed a replacement to be named at any point prior to the ballots being printed Carlin said. After reading the article, he made a still-inexplicable decision. Carlin called the county party chair and expressed his interest.

"To this day I cannot explain why looking at that suddenly, instantly triggered an interest," he said.

Carlin campaigned and was unsuccessful in his legislative bid. He returned to his life as a dairy farmer and was prepared to never return to politics. But in 1970, the interest returned and he was elected. The experiences of 1968 were key in his election, Carlin said. Carlin also learned the importance of door-to-door campaigning.

"A lot of candidates fail because they simply don't want to do that," he said.

When he arrived in Topeka in January of 1971, the Democrats had only 41 seats in the 125-member House of Representatives. Carlin utilized his work ethic acquired from the dairy farm and set about making changes.

"I was willing to do work that a lot of more senior people weren't," he said. "I volunteered to do a lot of research to prepare the caucus every morning, to look over the agenda and study bills. That was my opening; I didn't do it with a plan at all. I did it because I wanted to be involved and I was willing to get up early and get that calendar and get us prepared for the day as a beginner."

Subsequent reelections and continued hard work led Carlin to positions as assistant minority leader, minority leader and eventually Speaker of the House. Toward the culmination of his fourth term in the legislature, Carlin began to want to do something different and find a way to channel political differences with the incumbent governor. He mounted a campaign for governor, and in 1979, Carlin was elected as the 40th governor of the State of Kansas. Repeated no's from a Republican-dominated legislature led Carlin to seek reelection by the basis of popular support for his agenda. He was reelected and began working hard for changes.

"In the second term, it wasn't that we didn't get a lot done during the first term, but nothing compared to the second term in terms of major policy changes approved by the legislature," he said. "Right through the last year in approving all of those constitutional amendments that I had to get a 2/3 vote."

Among the amendments Carlin succeeded in shepherding through the legislature was liquor by the drink, which passed in 1986.

Term limited, Carlin was unable to seek reelection in 1986. In 1990 he again sought the Democratic nomination for governor but was defeated. He later worked with University of Kansas scientists on a private-sector project. In addition to this, Carlin worked internationally in Asia.

In 1994, Carlin unsuccessfully sought a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives losing to Sam Brownback. He continued his work in the private sector before being presented with the opportunity to serve as national archivist in 1995. Unlike past nominees, Carlin's approval process before the U.S. Senate was not contentious and he was quickly confirmed. He set about changing practices at the agency responsible for managing governmental records.

"I think I was able to bring a level of visibility and interest and support that allowed us to really do some significant things and put the agency in a stronger position to carry out its mission," he said.

During President Bill Clinton's administration, Carlin collaborated with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton to acquire additional governmental resources while strengthening the foundation of private support exhibiting his trademark work ethic. Carlin's term extended into the Bush administration but was not renewed in 2005.

Carlin and his wife returned to Kansas in 2005. Channeling past education interests and experience, Carlin returned to the classroom as a teacher at K-State. Since then, Carlin has taught classes on political leadership and the political process.

Kevin Phillips, a 2008 graduate of K-State, took Practical Politics, a class on the political process, and is grateful for the experience.

"Governor Carlin provides wisdom and understanding about real world politics only a seasoned veteran can do," he said. "Every day of his class was useful, fun and an exemplar of the college experience."