Former Boston University President Jon Westling returned to the classroom yesterday, making good on a promise made after being ousted in 2002.

He began teaching ‘Along with The Dawn of Europe: From Antiquity to the Renaissance’ (HI 101) at 10 a.m. yesterday. Westling is also teaching the Core Curriculum course ‘Foundations of the Social Sciences’ (CC203) this semester.

‘I’m teaching HI 101 because I think survey courses are important and challenging for the teacher and should be for the students too,’ Westling said in an email yesterday.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Jeffrey Henderson said Westling’s return came as part of an appointment by the BU Board of Trustees. They appointed him president emeritus and professor of history effective Sept. 1, 2003.

Westling’s history course covers the origins and rise of Europe, with emphasis on Greek and Roman antiquity, medieval institutions, the Renaissance city-state and religious reform, according to the BU course bulletin.

Westling said his expertise in both history and the Core Curriculum program are what led him to teach those subjects.

‘I’m teaching in the Core because I was involved in the creation of the Core Curriculum and because I believe very strongly in the importance of general education,’ Westling said.

Westling was originally recruited to BU as a history consultant, however his ‘temporary’ stay as an administrator lasted 28 years, he said in his resignation letter. Westling cited his desire to return to the classroom as a reason for resigning from the presidency in 2002.

‘I enjoy teaching and have missed it, and I like BU and BU students,’ Westling said. ‘I like the daily contact with students and with faculty colleagues.’

In his time off Westling said he read, wrote and relaxed. He said this was another reason why he chose to teach instead of continuing to do administration work.

‘I like having the time to read and think and write,’ he said.

Westling served as president from June 1, 1996 to July 9, 2002. Before that, he served as provost from 1984 to 1988 and executive vice president from 1988-1991. From 1991 to 1995, he held both titles. He became president-elect in January 1995, and Silber personally chose Westling as his replacement in 1996.

Westling served as interim president in 1990, as Silber took a leave of absence from the university to focus on a gubernatorial run. Westling also served as acting president in 1987, when Silber took a sabbatical.

As a former president, Westling said he is encouraged about working with future president Dan Goldin.

‘I wish him well,’ he said. ‘He will be leading a great university with excellent faculty, staff and students.’