Dole Institute spring programming season opens with Kansas governors Sebelius and Hayden, bestselling author Sharon McMahon
LAWRENCE — The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas today announced its early spring 2025 programming, featuring the Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture recognizing “America’s Government Teacher” Sharon McMahon; a discussion on the evolution of Kansas politics over the last half-century with former Kansas governors Kathleen Sebelius and Mike Hayden; program series analyzing changes in presidential power, and technology and innovation in wartime; and a special temporary exhibit honoring the late former President Jimmy Carter.
“This spring, we feature timely discussions of both historical and contemporary shifts in politics, governance and civic life,” said Audrey Coleman, director of the Dole Institute. “This perspective helps us move through new challenges and build new relationships to address those challenges.”
Special exhibit
Members of the public are invited to visit the Dole Institute’s museum and galleries to view a special memorial exhibit honoring the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and his relationship with former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole. Carter, 100, died Dec. 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. The special exhibit, developed by archivists from the institute, features original manuscripts and photographs that highlight the relationship and areas of cooperation between Dole and Carter. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 2. Visitors will have an opportunity to sign a guest book that will later be presented to the Carter family.
Public programming
Former Kansas governors Kathleen Sebelius (D, 2003-2009) and Mike Hayden (R, 1987-1991) will join Philadelphia Inquirer journalist and KU alum Katie Bernard for a discussion on the evolution of Kansas politics over the last half-century. The conversation is inspired by Michael Smith and H. Edward Flentje’s recent book published by the University Press of Kansas, “Reform & Reaction: The Arc of Kansas Politics,” which features contributions from late KU professor and political scientist Burdett Loomis. The program will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Dole Institute and is presented in partnership with the University Press of Kansas.
New York Times bestselling author and educator Sharon McMahon will be honored at the Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture at 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Named after former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Hanford Dole, the series honors her long-lasting career in public service by featuring women who break barriers, make significant contributions in their field and reach positions of leadership. This program will be held in partnership with the Lawrence Public Library and will include a book signing opportunity for guests. A free ticket is required to attend the program; tickets will be available online beginning 10 a.m. Jan. 28.
McMahon, a former high school government and law teacher, became known as “America’s Government Teacher” during the 2020 election for her viral efforts to combat political misinformation through her social media platforms. Since then, she’s continued to provide historical context and nonpartisan insights into present-day issues through a variety of mediums, including her newsletter The Preamble, which is one of Substack’s largest publications; her chart-topping podcast “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting”; and her book “The Small and the Mighty,” which highlights the unsung heroes who shaped America. She’s earned national communications awards for her efforts and leads philanthropic initiatives to address critical needs in communities nationwide.
Program Series
Public educator Matt Beat will serve as the Spring 2025 Dole Fellow. His series, “Exactly How Much Power Does an American President Have?,” will examine how the exercise of presidential power has evolved since the ratification of the Constitution and how it is shared with each branch of government, the states and citizens themselves.
A former middle and high school educator, Beat has taught history and civics across various grade levels. His in-depth lessons inspired him to launch his YouTube channels, Mr. Beat and The Beat Goes On, which have accumulated over 1 million subscribers and nearly 300 million views from around the world. He has also published two books, including “The Power of Our Supreme Court,” that highlight the powers and dynamics of governmental institutions. Programs will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesdays this spring starting Feb. 19.
The Dole Institute will continue its partnership with the Command and General Staff College’s Department of Military History at Fort Leavenworth to host the Fort Leavenworth Series throughout the year. The series provides free historical lectures to the public facilitated by world-class military history professors. This year’s series, “Technology and Innovation in War,” will explore the technological advances and innovative reforms that have altered warfare from the 19th century to the present. Lectures are scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. beginning Feb. 5.
Additional Programming
Save the date for the institute’s annual Easter Egg Roll with Dole from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 19. The Lawrence family favorite will feature an egg-rolling race inspired by the White House Easter Egg Roll, egg hunt, bunny corral, live music, story time, crafts and more.
Finally, Dole Institute Visiting Fellows Ed Duckers and Pedro Irigonegaray will be joined by members of the Dole Institute Student Advisory Board and Washburn University School of Law students for the spring edition of The Counselors. The program, presented in partnership with the Washburn University School of Law, contains qualities of both a mock trial and debate — featuring expert witnesses, cross-examination and student-led research. The program will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 24.
More programs, including the annual Dole Lecture, will be announced at a later date.
Detailed information on all of this season’s programs, special events and exhibits can be found at doleinstitute.org. All programs will take place in person at the Dole Institute and will be available to watch live on the Institute’s website and YouTube channel.