Condoleezza Rice's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Condoleezza Rice. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Condoleezza Rice is a prominent American diplomat and political scientist. She served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009 and the 19th U.S. National Security Advisor from 2001 to 2005. Currently, she directs Stanford University's Hoover Institution. As a Republican, Rice holds the distinction of being the first female African-American Secretary of State and the first woman to be National Security Advisor. Before Barack Obama's presidency, she and Colin Powell were the highest-ranking African Americans in the U.S. executive branch. At the time of her appointment, she was also the highest-ranking woman in the presidential line of succession.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1974: Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa

In 1974, at age 19, Condoleezza Rice was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa society and was awarded a B.A. degree cum laude in political science by the University of Denver.

1980: Fellow at Stanford University

From 1980, Condoleezza Rice was a fellow at Stanford University's Arms Control and Disarmament Program, having won a Ford Foundation Dual Expertise Fellowship in Soviet Studies and International Security.

1981: Fellow at Stanford University

In 1981, Condoleezza Rice was a fellow at Stanford University studying international security at Stanford on fellowships.

1993: Chevron Supertanker Named After Rice

In 1993, Chevron named a 129,000-ton supertanker SS Condoleezza Rice in honor of Condoleezza Rice's work for them.

1999: Retrospective Time 100 List

In 1999, Rice appeared on the Time 100, Time magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people.

December 16, 2000: Named National Security Advisor

On December 16, 2000, Condoleezza Rice was named as National Security Advisor, stepping down from her position at Stanford University. She was the first woman to hold the post and earned the nickname "Warrior Princess".

2003: Received John Heinz Award

In 2003, Condoleezza Rice received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.

August 2004: Rice Named World's Most Powerful Woman by Forbes Magazine

In August 2004, Forbes magazine named Condoleezza Rice the world's most powerful woman.

2004: Most powerful woman in the world

In 2004, Condoleezza Rice was ranked as the most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine.

2004: Annual Time 100 List

In 2004, Rice appeared on the annual Time 100, Time magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people.

August 2005: Rice Named World's Most Powerful Woman by Forbes Magazine

In August 2005, Forbes magazine named Condoleezza Rice the world's most powerful woman for the second year in a row.

2005: Most powerful woman in the world

In 2005, Condoleezza Rice was ranked as the most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine.

August 2006: Rice Named Second Most Powerful Woman by Forbes Magazine

In August 2006, Forbes magazine named Condoleezza Rice the second most powerful woman in the world, behind Angela Merkel.

2006: Second most powerful woman in the world

In 2006, Forbes magazine ranked Condoleezza Rice as the second most powerful woman in the world, following Angela Merkel.

February 2009: Rice Signs Three-Book Deal with Crown Publishers

In February 2009, Rice signed a three-book deal with Crown Publishers for at least $2.5 million. The books were intended to cover her time in the White House and her role in shaping foreign policy.

2009: Received Thomas D. White National Defense Award

In 2009, Condoleezza Rice received the U.S. Air Force Academy's Thomas D. White National Defense Award for contributions to the defense and security of the United States.

August 2010: Received Thomas D. White National Defense Award

In August 2010, Condoleezza Rice received the U.S. Air Force Academy's 2009 Thomas D. White National Defense Award for contributions to the defense and security of the United States.

2010: Rice Releases Memoir, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family

In 2010, Rice released "Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family", a memoir detailing her upbringing.

Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family

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2011: Rice Writes 'No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington'

In 2011, Rice wrote "No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington", a memoir of her time in the Bush administration, explaining the title was chosen "because there really is no higher honor than serving your country".