Dr. Heather Wilson’s resume just got a little longer. The president of a Rapid City institution of higher learning will now lead a branch of the Armed Forces.

By a vote of 76-22 the United States Senate approved President Donald Trump’s appointment of Wilson to the position of Secretary of the Air Force. Her credentials include graduating from the Air Force Academy and serving in Europe during the cold war.

Her biography on the South Dakota School of Mines website mentions her academic career as a Rhodes Scholar. Wilson also worked for President George H.W. Bush on the staff of the National Security Council.

Wilson is also no stranger to Washington, D.C. with five terms served in the House of Representatives while living in New Mexico. The School of Mines chose her to lead the institution in 2013.

Senator John Thune spoke highly of Wilson. “She is beyond qualified to lead our nation’s air men and women.”

Senator Mike Rounds who currently serves on the Armed Services Committee doled out his praise. “People who work with Dr. Wilson in South Dakota describe her as a great manager and inspiring leader, traits which will be beneficial to her as she transitions into the job of Air Force Secretary.”

Congresswoman Kristi Noem added, “Throughout her career, Heather has continually answered the call to serve and exemplified forward-looking vision and bold leadership,”

As the first graduate from the Air Force Academy and the third woman to be elevated to the post, Dr. Wilson also used her expertise in working with Ellsworth Air Force Base to find a resolution to maintenance problems with B1-B Bombers.


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