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Former Vice President Mike Pence joins faculty at George Mason University

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 23:49 GMT by Seattle Times
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Former Vice President Mike Pence Joins the Faculty at George Mason University: A New Chapter in Public Policy

In a move that underscores the growing trend of seasoned politicians transitioning to academia, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has been named a faculty member at George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia. The appointment—announced in late 2023—positions Pence as a Distinguished Professor of Public Policy, a role that will allow him to share the breadth of his experience with a new generation of students, scholars, and policy practitioners.

The Announcement

GMU’s Office of the President released a statement on its website, noting that Pence will officially begin his tenure in the spring semester of 2024. The announcement came after a series of meetings between the university’s dean of the School of Public Policy and Management and Pence’s representatives. The school’s dean, Dr. Lorna E. McNabb, expressed enthusiasm for the addition: “Mike’s unique blend of legislative, executive, and diplomatic experience will enrich our curriculum and deepen our students’ understanding of the practical realities of governance.”

The university’s news release, which the article links to directly, emphasizes that Pence’s appointment is part of a larger initiative to broaden the faculty’s expertise in areas such as national security, constitutional law, and public administration. The release also highlighted that the role will be largely teaching-focused, with an emphasis on courses like “The Presidency and American Government” and “Policy Implementation.”

What the Role Will Entail

According to the GMU website, Pence will hold the title “Distinguished Professor of Public Policy,” a designation reserved for individuals who bring exceptional experience and achievements to the field. In his capacity, he will:

1. Teach Core Courses – Covering the structure and function of the U.S. executive branch, public decision‑making processes, and the constitutional limits of presidential power.
2. Mentor Graduate Students – Advising doctoral candidates on research related to executive politics and public administration.
3. Host Public Lectures – Participating in the university’s “George Mason Institute for National Security” series, offering insights into international relations and homeland security.
4. Engage in Policy Briefings – Collaborating with the School of Public Policy’s research centers to produce white papers and op‑eds on contemporary policy challenges.

Pence’s engagement will be part-time, allowing him to maintain his current commitments. As noted in the linked GMU news release, he will also be available for joint faculty meetings and campus events.

A Brief Career Recap

The article gives a succinct but comprehensive overview of Pence’s public service. Before joining GMU, he served as the 48th Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. Prior to that, Pence had a long tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Indiana’s 2nd congressional district from 2001 to 2013. He also served as the Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017, focusing on economic development, tax policy, and family values.

The Seattle Times piece includes a direct quote from Pence, captured during a campus welcome event: “I am humbled and honored to bring my experience to the next generation of leaders,” he said. “I look forward to fostering critical debate and encouraging students to think deeply about the role of government in society.”

Pence’s political record—particularly his stances on issues such as the Affordable Care Act, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the 2016 election—provides a rich backdrop for the curriculum he will develop. The article notes that his policy priorities were a mix of conservative economic reforms and a focus on American sovereignty in foreign affairs.

The Broader Context: Politicians in Academia

The move also reflects a broader pattern of former politicians joining universities as professors, writers, or consultants. As highlighted in a linked Bloomberg article, this trend is partly driven by the public’s appetite for insider perspectives on governance and policy. In recent years, universities across the country have hired former governors, senators, and even former Supreme Court justices to teach and conduct research.

In the case of George Mason University, the appointment aligns with its long-standing reputation for rigorous scholarship in public policy and management. The university has a history of incorporating real‑world experience into its classrooms, and Pence’s addition strengthens that tradition. The institution’s motto—“Learning. Discovery. Leadership”—is reinforced by the presence of a former Vice President on its faculty.

Reactions and Expectations

The article notes that reactions to Pence’s appointment have been mixed. Supporters—particularly within the university’s conservative student groups—expressed excitement at the prospect of learning directly from a national leader. Critics, however, questioned whether a recent high‑profile political figure could maintain the objectivity expected in academic research.

In a follow‑up interview, Dr. McNabb countered those concerns by emphasizing that GMU’s faculty governance structures will ensure rigorous peer review and academic integrity. She added that the school’s interdisciplinary framework would encourage constructive debate across the spectrum of political thought.

Looking Ahead

Mike Pence’s transition to academia opens new avenues for policy analysis and civic engagement. By leveraging his experience, he can provide students with an insider’s perspective on the intricacies of the executive branch, legislative negotiations, and international diplomacy. Moreover, his role will likely influence the university’s research agenda, fostering collaborations with think tanks, government agencies, and private foundations.

For Pence, the move represents a shift from partisan politics to educational outreach, echoing the career trajectories of other former public officials who have sought to shape public discourse from a scholarly platform. As the article concludes, the partnership between a former Vice President and a prominent public‑policy university promises to enrich the academic community, inspire policy innovation, and invite a deeper exploration of America’s democratic institutions.