Starting in January 2013, the soon to be ex-president of Mexico Felipe Calderon will join the Harvard teaching staff, and will be actively involved at the School of Government John F. Kennedy, specializing in politics, government, international affairs and economics. The Mexican president is also a graduate from this faculty.

The University has confirmed this news through a short statement:

"Calderon will become an active participant in the academic and intellectual life of the school, meeting with students, collaborating with scholars and researchers, lecturing, writing and working with the HKS Case Program to develop Case studies around the many policy challenges he encountered while serving as president. During his stay, Calderon will be affiliated with the school's Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government."

Months ago it was rumored that Calderon had approached several renowned institutions seeking employment, which everything seemed to indicate that his new job would be at the University of Texas, but after a protest by students and activists, there was no further news about that becoming a reality. Calderon was not wanted at the university by many because of the outcome of the war that the Mexican government launched against organized crime at the beginning of his presidency, where more than 80,000 lives have been lost so far.

David T. Ellwood, director of the School of Government at Harvard said, "President Calderon is a vivid example of a dynamic and committed public servant, who took on major challenges in Mexico," said Ellwood. "He brings with him experience and knowledge that will inform and inspire Kennedy School students and faculty, and I am thrilled he will be returning to Harvard Kennedy School."

For the full statement click here.

The future ex-president Calderon indicated that this new opportunity will provide a great reflection on the work that his administration was able to accomplish while he served as president of Mexico.

The statement mentioned that Calderon's stay at Harvard will only be from January to December 2013.

Just yesterday it was announced that Felipe Calderon will walk away from the Mexican presidency seat with a pension of 225,000 pesos a month (18k USD), protection from the military for him and his family among many other privileges.

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

Translation : Omar.Martínez@sandiegored.com