Jeff King
Spring 2026
Jeff King serves as the executive vice president of the Rodel Institute, where he founded and runs fellowships for judges of all ideological persuasions, as well as bipartisan groups of elected officials, to explore ways that leaders can transcend differences to promote judicial independence and cross-party dialogue. A former Kansas Senator (R) representing southeastern Kansas, Jeff worked extensively on criminal justice issues, pension reform, education finance and tax policy as chair of the Senate Judiciary, Pension, and Rules committees. A former Tenth Circuit clerk and president of the Appellate Section of the Kansas Bar, Jeff has handled over 60 appeals across the country on issues of school finance, trust, state government and constitutional law. He holds degrees from Brown University, Yale Law School, and the University of Cambridge.
What Does It Mean to Be United?
Since its founding, America has been a land awash with contrasts and divisions. Are we truly a “melting pot” where one must assimilate to belong or are we more the quiver of arrows on our national seal – many people bound by a “political ideology centered on the abstract ideals of liberty, equality, and republicanism.” What are the foundational beliefs that unite but also threaten to divide us? How can we come together as a United States today?
Liberty In a Pluralistic Society
Liberty is America’s founding ideal, bursting from our shores and spreading to nations far and near. But, our own story is rife with contradictions and presents challenges even today as we balance the desires of a changing society. How do we balance competing ideas of liberty in a pluralistic country? How can we secure this most American of ideals for all within our nation?
A Republic, If You Can Keep It
Ben Franklin promised us unparalleled freedom with burdens to uphold it, never before placed upon a citizenry. What was this novel form of government bestowed on our young nation and what have we, as a free people, done to keep it? What burdens do we share, what challenges do we face, and what actions must we take to keep the American republic strong for another 250 years?
The Pursuit of Happiness: Is America Still the Land of Opportunity?
We live in a land of unprecedented wealth and success. Yet, America is plagued with economic disparities and despair – a place where our “happiness” ranks only 24th among developed nations. Our Founding Fathers built a land of remarkable opportunity that elevated the lives of billions globally. Is the American dream alive today? What does it look like? How can we elevate it to foster happiness in generations to come?
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