Mike Pence, who was the Vice President under Donald Trump and unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination, has begun a new chapter in his career.

Pence is now a political science instructor at Grove City College, a conservative institution located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

He conducted his inaugural class on Thursday, accompanied in the classroom by Paul J. McNulty, the president of the college.

Pence’s Classroom Debut

Pence attended Grove City for his first lecture but may later participate via video calls depending on his commitments.

The former Vice President shared in a college announcement that his wife, Karen, a retired educator, cautioned him that teaching can be more challenging than it appears.

Before kicking off his first lecture, he requested his students to “be patient with me.”

As per the college’s announcement, Pence is enthusiastic about his new position.

“I have great admiration for Grove City College’s mission, and the chance to educate a group of young individuals who I believe will become future Christian leaders in this nation is a wonderful privilege,” said Pence.

Pence Takes on a New Distinguished Fellow Position

Grove City College, spread over 180 acres, is a private Christian liberal arts institution that does not accept federal funds, including federal student aid, for its 2,400 enrolled students. According to the college’s website, 97% of students reside on campus, with tuition for the 2023-24 academic year set at $20,890, as well as fees for food and housing amounting to $11,770.

This year, the college launched the Center for Faith & Public Life, appointing Pence as its inaugural Distinguished Fellow in Faith and Public Life.

Pence, previously the governor of Indiana, served with Trump after their win in the 2016 election.

Notably, he and Trump had a significant falling out when Pence refused to comply with Trump’s demand to not certify the 2020 election results, which declared Joe Biden the winner. Pence maintained that his role was ceremonial and that he didn’t possess the authority to invalidate the votes.

This tension reached its peak during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters who were unhappy with Pence’s decision.

Despite the past conflict, there seemed to be little sign of division on Thursday as Pence explored the campus and interacted with students, many of whom shared their photos with him on social media.

Pence expressed, “I’m thoroughly impressed by the kindness of the students here. The warm reception I’ve received from individuals from all backgrounds has been very humbling.”

Pence had been an early contender for the 2024 Republican nomination but withdrew in October.

Reach Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.