Early Life and Education of Mike Pence: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mike Pence. From birth to education, explore key events.
Michael Richard Pence is an American politician and lawyer. He served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, under President Donald Trump. Prior to his role as Vice President, Pence served as the 50th Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017. Before becoming governor, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Indiana from 2001 to 2013. He is a member of the Republican Party.
1953: Father Received Bronze Star
In 1953, Edward Joseph Pence Jr., Mike Pence's father, received the Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
June 7, 1959: Birth of Mike Pence
On June 7, 1959, Michael Richard Pence was born. He later became the 48th Vice President of the United States.
1976: Volunteered for Bartholomew County Democratic Party
In 1976, Mike Pence volunteered for the Bartholomew County Democratic Party.
1977: Graduated from Columbus North High School
In 1977, Mike Pence graduated from Columbus North High School.
1978: Commitment to Christ at Ichthus Music Festival
In the spring of 1978, Mike Pence attended the Ichthus Music Festival in Asbury, Kentucky, and made a "commitment to Christ".
1980: Voted for Jimmy Carter
In the 1980 presidential election, Mike Pence voted for Jimmy Carter.
1981: Graduated from Hanover College
In 1981, Mike Pence earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Hanover College.
1985: Mike and Karen Pence Marry
In 1985, Mike Pence and Karen Batten were married.
1986: Graduated from Law School
In 1986, Mike Pence earned a Juris Doctor from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
1988: Pence's Father Dies
In 1988, Pence's father died, leaving his mother a widow.
1994: Identified as Catholic
In 1994, Mike Pence identified himself as Catholic in a news piece.
1995: Joined Grace Evangelical Church
In 1995, Mike Pence and his family joined an evangelical megachurch, the Grace Evangelical Church.
2002: Pence's Interview Statement
During an interview in 2002, Pence told a reporter that he would not have dinner alone with a woman other than his wife.
2002: District Renumbered
In 2002, Indiana's 2nd congressional district, which Mike Pence represented, was renumbered as the 6th district.
May 1, 2004: Pence's Mother Remarries
On May 1, 2004, Pence's mother remarried to Basil Coolidge Fritsch.
2013: Looking for a church
In 2013, Mike Pence mentioned that his family was "kind of looking for a church".
2013: Departure from Owning a Residence in Indiana
In 2013, Pence no longer owned a permanent residence in Indiana, before moving to the governor's mansion and then the vice president's residence in Washington.
2016: Worshiped at College Park Church
In 2016, Mike Pence and his wife regularly worshiped at College Park Church, a nondenominational church in Indianapolis.
2016: Pence Diagnosed with Left Bundle Branch Block
In 2016, Pence was diagnosed with asymptomatic left bundle branch block.
February 2020: Pence defends debt- and deficit-spending.
In February 2020, Mike Pence defended debt- and deficit-spending as a measure to stimulate economic growth.
April 2021: Pence Undergoes Pacemaker Surgery
In April 2021, Pence underwent surgery for a pacemaker implant due to a slow heartbeat.
May 2021: Pence Buys Home in Carmel, Indiana
In May 2021, after several months of staying at residences owned by various Indiana Republican politicians, Pence and his wife bought a home in Carmel, Indiana.
June 2022: Pence Comments on Overturning of Roe v. Wade
In June 2022, following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, Pence expressed that it had been "consigned to the ash heap of history" and urged continued efforts to restore the sanctity of life to American law.
September 2024: Pence Begins Teaching at Grove City College
In September 2024, Pence began teaching seminar and lecture courses in political science at Grove City College, being named its first Distinguished Fellow for Faith and Public Life.
