Collins says she is particularly proud of a pilot program that brought together teachers and both state and local officials to plan a merit pay system.

"I used to be a school teacher, and I know that a lot of times as a teacher you don't like someone from above telling you what to do," she says, adding, "You like to be a part of putting the program together."

Calling the Shots

Although Collins says being a woman never stopped her from succeeding in the wily world of politics, it has made things more difficult. She says that before becoming governor, she had a wide base of support from voters and legislators, but many still questioned a woman's abilities to run a state.

However, she says, "It was very different for a lot of people when a woman began running the state and calling the shots."

Collins adds that until recently, she noted a slight decline in the number of women entering professions and politics.

"I saw a rush for women to get into the corporate world a few years ago, but when they realized they had to work harder and know more, many felt it wasn't worth the effort. They probably tried to balance a family and a career, and then found their husband or family wasn't supportive."

While Collins says her own family was supportive of her career, she adds that she often felt guilty that she did not have more time for her family.

"A lot of times when I would miss watching my daughter cheer or seeing my son in any of his projects, I'd sit back and say, `Am I going to regret this?'" Collins says.

But looking back on her career, Collins says she made the right decision. She adds that she hopes to see more women governors, senators and representatives in coming years.

"I've found that the best legislation is that which both men and women have worked on together," Collins says, explaining the benefits to be gained by having women in politics. "Often, women think of things men don't, and men think of things women don't."

After leaving office in 1987, Collins spent a year at the University of Louisville teaching international trade and economic development. As yet, she does not know what she will do when she leaves Harvard this summer, although she owns a small consulting firm back home.

"When you leave office, it takes a while to figure out what you want to do," Collins says. Since she no longer has the support staff she enjoyed as governor, she says her ability to pursue projects is limited.

Politics are not out of the picture, but Collins says she does not forsee a career in Congress.

"The legislative branch is not my strong suit," she says, explaining that she prefers to be in a policy-making position because she is not a "detail person."

"I like to motivate people--get them to work to their potential. I like trying to sell people on my ideas and coming up with them--being creative and innovative."