Heather Wilson

Heather Wilson, born on December 30, 1960, is a distinguished politician and military officer, currently serving as the 11th President of the University of Texas at El Paso. Her career is marked by significant milestones, including her tenure as the 24th Secretary of the United States Air Force from 2017 to 2019, where she was instrumental in shaping military policy.

Before her role in the Air Force, Wilson made history as the first female military veteran elected to a full term in Congress, representing New Mexico's 1st congressional district from 1998 to 2009. During her time in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was an active member of several key committees, including the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Armed Services.

In 2013, she became the first female president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a position she held until 2017. Following her confirmation as Secretary of the Air Force, she announced her resignation in March 2019 to take on her current role at the University of Texas at El Paso. Additionally, in March 2020, she was appointed by President Trump to the National Science Board, further showcasing her commitment to education and science.