Condoleezza Rice's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 5, 2026

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 (2005-2009) and the 19th U.S. National Security Advisor (2001-2005) under President George W. Bush. Rice holds the distinction of being the first female African-American Secretary of State and the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor. Currently, she is the director of Stanford University's Hoover Institution, a position she has held since 2020. A Republican, Rice was, at one time, 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 society

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.

1993: Chevron named oil tanker after her

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

1993: Appointed as Stanford's 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 list created

In 1999, Time magazine created the Time 100 list as a retrospective of the 20th century.

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.

2003: Received 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.

August 2004: Forbes names Rice world's most powerful woman

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

2004: Rice Ranked Most Powerful Woman by Forbes

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

2004: Time 100 becomes an annual feature

In 2004, Time magazine's Time 100 list became an annual feature.

August 2005: Forbes names Rice world's most powerful woman again

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

2005: Rice Ranked Most Powerful Woman by Forbes

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

August 2006: Forbes names Rice second most powerful woman in the world

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

2006: Rice Ranked Second Most Powerful Woman by Forbes

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

February 1, 2007: Time Accuses Rice of Squandering Influence

On February 1, 2007, Time magazine accused Condoleezza Rice of squandering her influence, stating that her accomplishments as Secretary of State have been modest and that U.S.'s prestige has declined.

March 19, 2007: Time Follows Up on Rice's Foreign Policy

In its March 19, 2007, issue, Time followed up on Condoleezza Rice, stating that she was "executing an unmistakable course correction in U.S. foreign policy."

February 2009: Rice signs three-book deal with Crown Publishers

In February 2009, Condoleezza Rice signed a three-book deal with Crown Publishers worth at least $2.5 million. The books would focus on her time in the White House, her role as America's top diplomat, and her contributions to shaping foreign policy from 2001 to 2009.

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 the U.S. Air Force Academy's 2009 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.