DNC chairman to teach at Brown University

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tom Perez is returning to Brown University, his alma mater, to teach as a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for Public Affairs, the university announced Thursday.

“It’s a great honor to welcome Brown graduate Tom Perez to Watson this fall,” the institute’s director, Edward Steinfeld, said in a statement.

“He brings vast experience in local and national politics, and will undoubtedly help all of us, students and faculty alike, apply theory and research to real world challenges. What an extraordinary opportunity for all of us to learn from Tom and the numerous guests he’ll bring to campus from across the political spectrum.”

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Perez, who graduated from Brown in 1983, will lead a noncredit study group called “Governance and Leadership in Challenging Times” during his one-year appointment.

“Tom is and will continue to be a full-time chair. He has been on the road or working 7 days a week to reestablish relationships with fundraisers, grassroots activists, and Democrats across the country to rebuild the party. Helping his alma mater with 7 lectures over the course of 4 months isn’t a side job,” DNC communications director Xochitl Hinojosa said in a statement.

“Today’s students at Brown will be tomorrow’s leaders,” Perez said in a statement. “Our goal in this study group is to expose students to leaders who have been wrestling with some of the most difficult issues confronting our nation, share lessons of success and failure, and discuss tools for future progress, as well as to think critically about contributing to the timeless journey of forming a more perfect union.”

In addition to hosting informal lunches, the former Labor secretary under President Barack Obama will bring in a cohort of renowned guest speakers like former White House chief of staff Denis McDonough, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D), former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and many others who can speak to their experience governing in a time of partisan politics.

Perez says he hopes his study group will inspire some of his students to pursue a career in public service.