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, currently serving as the director of Stanford University's Hoover Institution. A Republican, she held significant roles in the George W. Bush administration, including as the 66th United States Secretary of State (2005-2009) and the 19th U.S. National Security Advisor (2001-2005). Rice made history as 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 executive branch. Upon becoming Secretary of State, she was the highest-ranking woman in U.S. presidential line of succession at the time.

Sections (6)

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

1974: Induction into Phi Beta Kappa and B.A. Degree

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

1980: Fellow at Stanford University

From 1980 to 1981, 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.

1993: Chevron Supertanker Named After Rice

In 1993, Chevron named a 129,000-ton supertanker SS Condoleezza Rice in honor of her work for the company.

1993: Appointed as Stanford Provost

In 1993, Gerhard Casper appointed Condoleezza Rice as Stanford's provost, making her the first female, first African-American, and youngest provost in Stanford's history. She was also granted tenure and became a full professor.

1999: Time 100 Retrospective

In 1999, Condoleezza Rice has appeared four times 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 National Security Advisor, becoming the first woman to hold the position, and stepped down from her position at Stanford.

April 2002: Accompanies Yo-Yo Ma

In April 2002, Condoleezza Rice accompanied cellist Yo-Yo Ma in playing Johannes Brahms' Violin Sonata in D minor at Constitution Hall for the National Medal of Arts Awards.

2003: Received the U.S. Senator 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.

2004: Time 100 Annual List

In 2004, Condoleezza Rice has appeared four times on the Time 100, Time magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people.

2004: Ranked Most Powerful Woman by Forbes

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

2005: Ranked Most Powerful Woman by Forbes

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

2006: Ranked Number Two by Forbes

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

January 2009: Appointed to Board of Trustees

In January 2009, outgoing President Bush appointed Condoleezza Rice to a six-year term on the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

2009: Received the U.S. Air Force Academy's 2009 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 her contributions to the defense and security of the United States.

August 2010: Received the U.S. Air Force Academy's 2009 Thomas D. White National Defense Award

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