Sen. Gary Peters, a longstanding figure in Michigan politics, is set to embark on a new educational venture at the University of Southern California (USC) following the conclusion of his senatorial term. USC announced on Monday that Peters will hold an endowed chair in practical politics and co-lead the university's Center for the Political Future alongside veteran Republican strategist Mike Murphy.

After serving Michigan as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate since 2014, Peters announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection. His new role at USC will see him teaching courses at both the Los Angeles and Washington campuses, where he aims to leverage his extensive experience in public service at the local, state, and federal levels.

“I look at this as a capstone of my years in public service,” Peters said. “It’s never been more important to bring people together, and there’s no better place to start than working with students and getting them engaged in civic activism.”

Before his tenure in government, Peters was an educator in business and finance at various Michigan universities. His return to academia is driven by his passion for engaging with young people and fostering a new generation of politically aware and active citizens.

James Bullock, dean of USC’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, praised Peters for his bipartisan leadership and effectiveness in Washington. “Gary Peters brings an extraordinary combination of public service, bipartisan leadership and real experience getting things done in Washington,” Bullock stated. “He has spent his career showing that you can hold strong political convictions and still work productively with people who see the world differently.”

Peters’ new position at USC represents a significant shift from his political career, bridging his past roles with his future ambitions in education and public engagement. As he prepares for this next chapter, his focus remains on empowering students to become active participants in shaping their communities and the broader political landscape.