Ex-A.G. Gonzales to teach at Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, Texas, July 8 (UPI) -- Former U.S. attorney general Alberto Gonzales has accepted a teaching position at Texas Tech University, the school announced Tuesday.

Gonzales, who resigned from the George W. Bush administration in 2007 while embroiled in controversies over the firing of several federal prosecutors and the national wire-tapping policy, will begin his role as a visiting professor Aug. 1, The Avalanche-Journal in Lubbock reported. His initial contract will be for one year, paying him about $100,000, the school said.

"I am long past the time of worrying about criticism," Gonzales, 53, told the newspaper in a telephone interview.

"When you are involved in the most controversial issues of the day, you draw some criticism. I am excited to be in an environment where ideas are debated. I will open a dialogue for a discussion about the policies of the previous administration."

Gonzales, who was the United States' first Hispanic attorney general, said he has spent the last two years "mediating cases, consulting, and giving speeches."

At Texas Tech, Gonzales will be a guest lecturer and teach a junior-level political science course dealing with issues in the executive branch of the federal government. He also will help Tech and Angelo State University recruit and maintain minority students.

Tech System Chancellor Kent Hance said Gonzales's appointment may draw criticism from some quarters.

"Those are people who don't want ideas expressed that they don't agree with," Hance said. "We have to look at the experience he will bring to Texas Tech. I am elated."