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Vice President Mike Pence has been named a Distinguished Professor of Practice at �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government. Pence’s arrival this fall marks a significant addition to the institution’s academic community. He will engage with students and faculty, bringing decades of public service, executive leadership, and policy experience into the classroom.

Pence served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, following a term as the 50th governor of Indiana and six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. His political career spans the legislative and executive branches, giving him a unique, firsthand understanding of how government operates at multiple levels. His presence on campus adds a high-profile practitioner’s perspective to the study of public policy, governance, and constitutional principles.

“It’s a privilege to join the Schar School as Professor of Practice,” Pence said in a statement. “Throughout my years of public service, I have seen firsthand the importance of principled leadership and fidelity to the Constitution in shaping the future of our nation. I look forward to sharing these lessons with the next generation of American leaders and learning from the remarkable students and faculty of �鶹��Ƶ.”

“Higher education plays a vital role in preparing Americans not only for career success, but also for lives of service and integrity. Now more than ever we should be investing our time and resources into civil discourse on campus, and I’m honored to contribute to that mission. I look forward to helping students apply enduring American principles to the pressing policy and leadership challenges of our time, ensuring that the values which have guided our nation for generations continue to strengthen the character and promise of our Republic.”

As a professor of practice, Pence will contribute to undergraduate courses beginning in spring 2026 and in public-facing seminars that explore the intersection of politics, leadership, and national governance. His insights into legislative negotiation, executive decision-making, and crisis management—shaped during a time of global pandemic, domestic unrest, and international uncertainty—will offer students an uncommon vantage point into recent history and contemporary challenges.

He is also expected to share lessons drawn from his experience on the campaign trail, in the West Wing, and as president of the U.S. Senate.

Pence’s tenure as vice president and long career in public office will offer students both historical context and practical understanding of leadership at the highest levels of American government.

“The Schar School is proud to welcome Vice President Pence to our faculty,” said Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School. “His 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.”

Students pursuing studies in political science, law, public administration, and related fields will have opportunities to engage with Pence through lectures, moderated discussions, and mentorship programs. His appointment underscores the university’s commitment to integrating professional experience with academic inquiry, enriching the learning environment with real-world relevance.