Serving a Slice of the Dole Institute: A Spring 2026 Pizza and Politics Recap

June 13, 2026 - Features

by AJ Moser | Pizza and Politics Coordinator

 Pizza and Politics is a Dole Institute program series that is student-centered and focuses on making civil and political discussions engaging and accessible. Throughout the semester, experts are brought in to discuss a timely issue and connect it back to the student body. Students of all areas of study and interests are encouraged to come with questions and enjoy free pizza! The programs begin with an interview with the guest to get an overview of the topic, followed by time for student Q&A. This semester featured five programs that explored a wide range of topic

From left to right: Sarah Stacy, Ella Rheums, Abbie Clements, AJ Moser, Nathan Binshtok, and Ava Levin stand for a picture in the Business School before the third Pizza and Politics program.

The first program of the semester took place on February 6, where we asked the question, “Will AI Replace Our Jobs?” We were joined by Dr. Bekah Selby-Leach, Director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University. Bekah helped us conceptualize how AI may transform the workforce, especially for entry-level positions. We covered a variety of career paths such as medicine, law, and the arts. Providing the employer’s perspective, Bekah described how AI algorithms are being implemented to screen applicants and what students can do to stand out and stay competitive. We discussed the importance of students honing soft skills and demonstrating knowledge of ethical AI use in preparation for its widespread use.

Pizza and Politics Coordinator AJ Moser (left) interviews Bekah Selby-Leach (right) on the future of AI in the workforce.

On March 6, we were joined by Jerry Seib, Dole Institute fellow and former Executive Washington Editor for the Wall Street Journal. We discussed the timely topic, “Testing the Federal Reserve’s Independence” in the KU School of Business. Jerry gave us a great foundation of the role of the Federal Reserve, discussing its dual mandate and past relationship with the legislative and executive branches of government. We then discussed the Trump Administration’s approach of exerting more control over the Federal Reserve and what precedent it may set. Jerry did a great job speaking to the economic perspective and to the legal perspective, answering student questions about both.

From left to right: Abbie Clements, Ella Rheums, Jacob McCarty, Sarah Stacy, Ava Levin, and AJ Moser stand for a picture in the Business School before the second Pizza and Politics program.

Our next program on March 27 featured the topic, “Powering the Future: Where the U.S. Renewable Transition Stands Today.” Our guest was Alan Anderson, Chair of Energy Law Practice Group and KU Law Adjunct Professor. Alan drew on his firsthand experience in renewable energy law to discuss how the industry has changed over time. We discussed U.S. energy demands, project funding in the private sector, and how executive policies are impacting development. All but one of the students in attendance were non-SAB members, and it was incredible to see so many new students from the business school and the environmental studies program come together for this policy discussion!

Pizza and Politics Coordinator AJ Moser (left) and Alan Anderson (right) discuss the renewable energy industry.

 On April 10, our penultimate program featured Dr. Bob Beatty, political analyst and professor at Washburn University. We continued our annual legislative recap program, “What’s Up with the Kansas Legislature?” Topics of conversation included the new school cellphone ban, investment in Kansas City sports, and the bill restricting gender markers on drivers’ licenses. Bob gave us plenty of background information on the veto session and on how budget conversations fit into policy priorities. 

Pizza and Politics Coordinator AJ Moser (left) and Bob Beatty (right) recap the Kansas legislative session in the Hawk’s Nest.

The final program took place on April 24 with another exciting recurring program, “Supreme Court Spotlight: What’s on the Docket?” We were joined by Stephen McAllister, a KU Law Professor and former US Attorney for Kansas. Stephen brought a wealth of experience to the conversation, having clerked for two Supreme Court Justices and defending a case on the Supreme Court himself. We discussed cases in the 2025-2026 term relating to elections and executive authority. We also discussed the interim docket (i.e. shadow docket) and the possibility of court reform. We ended the year on a great note with a strong student turnout!

Pizza and Politics Coordinator AJ Moser (left) and Stephen McAllister (right) stand together by the Pizza and Politics Banner before the April 24 program.

Serving as the Pizza and Politics Coordinator this year has allowed me to interact with many fascinating guests and engage with a diverse range of issues. It has been a pleasure to host these programs and learn alongside other KU students. I’m incredibly thankful for the support from the staff and student workers here at the Dole Institute of Politics.

AJ Moser is the Pizza and Politics Coordinator at the Dole Institute of Politics. In her role, AJ hosts discussions with local experts to promote civic discussion and political engagement at the University of Kansas. She is a junior studying political science, environmental studies, and global and international studies. AJ is planning to continue her education in graduate school.

About the Dole Institute
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, a vibrant forum for civil discourse, civic engagement, and idea exchange across the political spectrum, features historical archives, exhibits, and public programs for all ages. Inspired by the public service of native Kansan, veteran, legislator, and statesman Senator Bob Dole and his wife Senator Elizabeth Dole, visitor galleries feature changing exhibits, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, architectural-scale stained glass American flag, and September 11 memorial.