Former Speaker Paul Ryan joining Notre Dame faculty

Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Paul Ryan will be a professor of the practice for the 2019-2020 academic year at the University of Notre Dame. Ryan will be a guest lecturer in political science and economics.

“The study of political science is strengthened when students hear from people with real-world policy and political experience,” said David Campbell, Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy and chair of the Department of Political Science at Notre Dame. “Having former officials in the classroom provides important insights for students — an opportunity to put the theories we study to the test.”

Ryan's lectures will focus on the fundamentals of American government, the state of political polarization and Catholicism and economics.

Former US Senator Joe Donnelly is currently a professor of the practice. He is a guest lecturer in courses on American politics, public policy and leadership.

“It has been an amazing experience to teach and work with our students and professors at the same beloved Notre Dame that I was privileged to attend,” Donnelly said. “It is easy to see every day that our Catholic mission plays a huge role in daily life at Notre Dame. Our students are bright, energetic, hard-working and will change the world. I look forward to working in the classroom with Speaker Paul Ryan and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough next semester.”

“As an Irish Catholic from the Midwest, the University of Notre Dame has always held a special place in my heart,” Ryan said. “It is an honor to be part of a University where Catholic principles, robust debates, academic freedoms and diverse viewpoints are allowed to flourish. As much as I hope to impart as a lecturer, I know that I will learn a tremendous amount from Notre Dame’s remarkable students as we discuss the big challenges before our nation and collaborate on how best to address them.”

Share this article: