San Diego Assemblyman and politician Nathan Fletcher has joined UCSD’s faculty as a professor of practice in the department of political science. As his first course at UCSD, Fletcher, along with professor Thad Kousser of the department of political science, is teaching Political Science 103A, covering California government and politics.

Fletcher’s appointment as a professor at UCSD was facilitated by Dean of Social Sciences Jeff Elman, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Suresh Subramani, department of political science Chair Philip Roeder, professor Thad Kousser and many other supporters within the department of political science.

As per rules governing the appointment of a professor of practice, Fletcher will stay in his position for a term of three academic years, with the possibility for reappointment at the end of each term.

“We certainly hope that this initial appointment will lead to multiple renewals and a long-term association,” Roeder said.

Fletcher, who was previously a representative of the 75th District in the California State Assembly, and a San Diego Mayoral candidate in 2012, will be UCSD’s first professor of practice in the department of political science. As an assemblyman until December 2012, Fletcher became the Republican whip and assistant minority leader in the state Assembly, vice chairman on biotechnology and chairman of the Assembly Select Committee on Job Creation for the New Economy, among other positions. He is also a decorated military serviceman.

“Mr. Fletcher brings exceptional accomplishments on which he can draw in his role as Professor … for unique contributions to the educational mission of the department,” Roeder said. “Although it will be difficult to find many practitioners with such wide-ranging expertise and distinguished accomplishments, we certainly hope that this is just our first appointment of a professor of practice.”

Fletcher will be teaching one upper-division or graduate course each quarter, as he is also currently serving as senior director of corporate development at Qualcomm Incorporated. Although this first course will focus on California government and politics, Roeder and faculty within the department hope that Fletcher will also teach courses on campaigns and elections, international democratization, government-military relations, counterterrorism and public policy in the future.

“We anticipate that Professor Fletcher will become an inspiring and knowledgeable advisor and mentor who will introduce our students to opportunities…in politics, public service, and industry,” Roeder said.