Former Vice President Mike Pence is heading back to academia. George Mason University announced that Pence will join its Arlington-based Schar School of Policy and Government as a professor of practice, with his first undergraduate courses beginning in spring 2026.

According to GMU, Pence will focus on politics, leadership, and national governance.

“It’s a privilege to join the Schar School as Professor of Practice,” Pence said in a university release. “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 George Mason University.”

The appointment comes as the university faces scrutiny from the Trump administration. Federal officials launched a six-week investigation into GMU’s hiring practices, alleging violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The administration demanded political changes and a personal apology from GMU President Gregory Washington—requests Washington rejected. (RELATED: Political Violence Surges: Two Shootings Rock U.S. in One Weekend)

Pence has maintained a complicated relationship with former President Donald Trump, supporting some policies while opposing others on tariffs and foreign affairs. Trump, in turn, has dismissed his former vice president as “delusional.”

“The Schar School is proud to welcome Vice President Pence to our faculty,” said Mark J. Rozell, dean of the 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.” (RELATED: Spanberger Caught Up In Defamation Lawsuit Over January 6th Press Release)