Former Vice President Mike Pence will join George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government this fall as a Distinguished Professor of Practice, the university announced this week. He is expected to begin teaching in the spring semester of 2026.
Pence, who served as vice president under Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021, previously held office as governor of Indiana and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for more than a decade. His tenure as vice president placed him at the center of some of the country’s most turbulent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
At George Mason, Pence will draw on his career in public service to teach and mentor students on topics such as constitutional principles, federalism, leadership, and crisis decision-making. The university said he will not only lecture but also participate in public seminars, moderated discussions, and mentorship programs designed to prepare students for careers in government and public service.
“It is a privilege to join the faculty at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government,” Pence said in a statement. “Throughout my career in public service, I have learned the importance of principled leadership and the need to defend and uphold the Constitution. I look forward to engaging with students in meaningful conversations about our nation’s future.”
Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School, said Pence’s addition will enrich the school’s offerings. “Vice President Pence’s distinguished career in public service and his commitment to civil discourse will provide our students with a unique perspective on leadership and governance,” Rozell said. “His experience at the highest levels of government will help prepare students not just for careers, but for lives of service and integrity.”
Pence’s appointment marks his latest move since leaving the vice presidency, after briefly running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. He now joins a list of high-profile public officials who have taken on academic roles following their time in government.
