Vice President Mike Pence Visits Pepperdine School of Public Policy Students

MALIBU, Calif. – The Pepperdine School of Public Policy welcomed the 48th Vice President United States, Mike Pence, today as the distinguished guest speaker for its graduate course, “How to Run the World.”

Reflecting on the role of faith in public service, Pence emphasized the unique character of Pepperdine University. “It’s not the gorgeous setting. It is the character and commitment to faith and principles that make Pepperdine University stand out in America.”

Pence shared insights on leadership, faith, and service amid today’s political landscape. His discourse underscored the importance of principled governance on the global stage.

When asked by a student about his spiritual journey, Pence recalled how meeting Christians in college and reading the Gospel of Mark profoundly impacted his faith. “The person [of Jesus] I encountered there was different from whatever stereotypes I had created in my mind over a lifetime growing up around religion.”

Pepperdine School of Public Policy students asked Pence about the intersection of faith and politics, addressing a common dilemma for young believers considering public service. “I thought I needed to choose between following my Christian faith or going into politics,” he said. “If you draw nothing else from this today, you don’t have to make that choice.”

Reflecting on American history, Pence underscored the role of faith in leadership. “I would argue as a student of American history, this nation has depended on people of faith and character and integrity to step out into the public sector and live out their faith.” He encouraged students, saying, “If you’ll commit to a life of integrity, I don’t know if you’ll run the world, but you can change the world.”

Addressing a student’s question on forgiveness in public life, Pence acknowledged his own struggles. “I’m very much a work in progress. I consider myself a growing Christian. For me, it’s about working out your salvation with fear and trembling as the Bible says.” He shared his practice of keeping a prayer journal, stating, “I found a long time ago that if you literally pray for people who have woefully treated you, forgiveness just grows in your heart.”

When asked about balancing faith with the harsh realities of politics, Pence emphasized servant leadership. “What I’ve tried to live out in my 20 years of public office is to apply the principles of servant leadership,” he said. “See if you can lift other people up; give other people opportunities. Opportunities open for you that you didn’t expect when you’re working hard to be a servant to those around you.”

Pence also addressed discerning one’s purpose, recounting his own struggle with ambition. “When I was your age, I felt a great weight on my life that I had something to do in the world.” He admitted to losing sight of his purpose during a challenging campaign and thinking his political career was over. “I let go of the ambition I thought I had to fulfill and focused on home. Then Trump called…If you make God’s priorities your priorities, He’s going to put you where He needs you.”

When asked about his role as Vice President, Pence spoke about the importance of prayer, scripture, and seeking godly counsel. “When you’re at that level, it’s like you’re drinking out of a firehose,” he explained. “Quiet moments were more important than ever before.”

On the topic of religious freedom in education, Pence stated, “I’m a believer in school choice. Parents ought to be able to choose where their kids go to school regardless of income or zip code.” He expressed optimism about the role of faith in society, saying, “I think we’re on a track back to a vibrant reflection on the importance of all different types of religious faith in society.”

Pence was asked about engaging with world leaders during his time in office, and he recounted a conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. “You’re a man of faith, so am I. Mine is a Muslim faith, yours is a Christian faith,” El-Sisi had told him. Reflecting on such encounters, Pence remarked, “Your faith ought to be visible enough - like a license plate - that people know where you’re coming from.”

When asked about the events at the United States Capitol Building on January 6 and 7, 2021, Pence remarked, “What began as a day of tragedy, I will always believe, was ultimately a triumph of freedom that our institutions held.” He recalled his decision to stay in the Capitol despite security concerns. “My goal was to stay at my post [and] work the problem. This was a test of our institutions, and our institutions are only as good as the men and women who fill their positions.”

Answering a student’s questions about navigating friendships in public service, Pence stressed the importance of respect. “Democracy depends on heavy doses of civility.” He cited his friendship with Senator Bernie Sanders as an example. “He’s one of the nicest socialists I’ve ever served with, and I don’t think we agree on anything. I say I’m a conservative, but I’m not in a bad mood about it.”

In closing, Pence encouraged students to develop strong leadership skills. “The most important thing young people can do is develop the qualities, heart, and mind that will prepare them to be the leaders they want to be when they grow up. I would encourage the students to really go deep on studying the character of leadership.”

Throughout his visit, Pence’s message was clear: humility, orientation to authority, and self-control are the foundation of meaningful public service. His remarks left Pepperdine School of Public Policy students and faculty inspired to pursue their own callings with conviction and purpose.

“How to Run the World” is a graduate course led by Kiron Skinner, inaugural Taube Family Chair of International Relations and Politics. The course reinforces Pepperdine School of Public Policy’s leadership in the study and practice of international relations, national, international security, and diplomacy. By providing students with direct access to influential policymakers and thought leaders, the course prepares the next generation of public servants to navigate complex global challenges with wisdom and discernment.

Previous “How to Run the World” speakers include technology entrepreneur and investor Joe Lonsdale; first female and Black Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Winsome Earle-Sears; former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley; former Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court Tani Cantil-Sakauye; former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich; and former US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski. 

Media assets from Pence’s visit are available here.

About Pepperdine University School of Public Policy

Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy (SPP) is built on a distinctive philosophy of nurturing public leaders to use tools of analysis and policy design to effect real change. Grounded in understanding policy's moral and distinctly American elements, SPP prepares graduates for careers as leaders by offering a master’s degree in public policy and three joint-degree programs. The school’s Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership promotes citizen participation in governance through major conferences, trainings, seminars, and published research. Follow SPP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

 

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