Former Vice President Mike Pence will join George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government as a distinguished professor of practice, the school announced Tuesday, saying he will teach undergraduate courses, lead public-facing seminars and participate in moderated discussions and mentorship programs beginning in the spring semester.
The northern Virginia-based school said Pence will be available to students pursuing degrees in political science, law, public administration and related fields. Schar School dean Mark Rozell said Pence's "disciplined approach to communication and his deeply rooted conservative philosophy provide a principled framework to discussions of federalism, the separation of powers, and the role of values in public life." Pence said in a statement that he looked forward to sharing lessons about "principled leadership and fidelity to the Constitution" and learning from students and faculty.
Pence, 66, served as a U.S. congressman and as governor of Indiana before joining Donald Trump's 2016 ticket. He served four years as vice president during Trump's first term. The move to academe marks a return to public life focused on teaching and student engagement after a period that included high-profile national developments and an unsuccessful 2024 presidential primary campaign.
Pence's relationship with his former running mate deteriorated after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, when a mob of protesters sought to disrupt the congressional certification of President Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. As vice president, Pence presided over the joint session of Congress to certify the vote and rejected claims that he had the authority to overturn the results. During the attack, rioters chanted threats against him and the Capitol complex was breached; Pence temporarily left the chamber for his safety and later resumed his constitutional role after order was restored.
In June 2023, Pence launched a campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, becoming the first vice-presidential running mate in more than eight decades to challenge his former ticket leader. He positioned his candidacy as a defense of traditional conservative principles against what he described as rising populism within the party. Despite frequent appearances in early voting states, the campaign struggled in polls and fundraising, and Pence suspended his bid after roughly four and a half months.
Pence has continued to be a prominent figure in conservative circles and received public recognition for his actions surrounding Jan. 6. In May 2025 he was honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
The Schar School said Pence's appointment will include classroom teaching and public seminars, as well as opportunities for students to engage directly with him through moderated events and mentorship programs. The position adds to a broader trend of former elected officials joining academic institutions in roles that combine teaching, public engagement and advising.
The Schar School did not disclose classroom schedules or specific course titles. University officials said more information about Pence's teaching assignments and public events will be released ahead of the spring semester.