Former Vice President Mike Pence has moved into the classroom at this western Pa. college

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served under President Donald Trump and made his own unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination, has started a new job.

Pence is teaching political science at conservative Grove City College in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

Pence, who taught his first class Thursday, is joined in the classroom by Grove City College President Paul. J. McNulty.

Pence makes first visit to classroom

Pence was in Grove City for his first class, but might join at other times by videoconference, depending on his schedule.

Pence said in a college news release that his wife, Karen, a retired teacher, warned him that "it's harder than it looks."

"So, be patient with me," he asked students before beginning his first lecture.

According to the college, Pence is excited about his role

"I just have immense respect for the mission of Grove City College and the opportunity to teach several courses with young men and women who I know are going to be Christian leaders in this country in the years ahead is a great privilege,” Pence said.

Pence is first to fill new Distinguished Fellow role

Grove City College is a 180-acre Christian private liberal arts and sciences. It does not accept federal funding, including federal student aid for its 2,400 students. The college on its website noted 97% of students live on campus, where tuition for the 2023-24 academic year is $20,890, and food and housing costs $11,770.

Earlier this year, the college established the Center for Faith & Public Life and named Pence as its first Distinguished Fellow for Faith and Public Life.

A former Indiana governor, Pence joined Trump in Washington, D.C., after they were elected in 2016.

He notably parted company with the former president when Pence declined to follow Trump's directive that he not certify the 2020 election that made Joe Biden president. Pence saw his role as ceremonial and argued that he did not have the authority to reject the votes before him.

That divide came to a head with the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, many of whom were displeased with Pence.

According to Grove City College, there was little evidence of that divide Thursday as the former vice president toured campus and mingled with students, many of whom posted photos of their encounter.

“I'm extremely impressed with the graciousness of the student body,” Pence said. “The warm welcome that I've received from students from literally every background has been very humbling.”

Pence, an early candidate for the Republican nomination in 2024, dropped out in October.

Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com .

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Former Vice President Mike Pence has moved into the classroom at this western Pa. college