The Senate confirmed Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state Wednesday, making her the first African-American woman to serve in the position.
Rice, who will now hold the nation's top diplomatic position, served as the first female national security advisor from 2001 until recently."I think it was an inevitable step for her and I am not surprised," said Linda Hall, minority affairs coordinator. "She has the background, credentials and a close relationship with the president."
Rice, 50, received her bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Denver in 1974 and her master's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1975. She received her doctorate from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver in 1981.
"Politically she articulates Bush's position of democracy using various militaristic and economic approaches," said DoVeanna S. Fulton, Ph.D.
Fulton, an assistant professor in the department of English, researches African-American women writing and culture.
Fulton said she does not think that Rice is doing a lot to better the image of black women.
But some students, like sophomore Neili Jones, say they think Rice's position will help younger black women realize their potential."Younger girls will say, 'I can do that too,'" said Jones, fashion merchandising and interior design major. "I think it creates a more positive image for black women."
Rice was officially sworn in Wednesday evening after an 85-13 senate vote during a private ceremony at the White House. Rice also made history by having the most opposition to holding an office according to the Senate Historical Office. Independent Sen. James Jeffords and 12 Democrats voted against her nomination.
Madeleine Albright was the first woman to hold the position of secretary of state in 1997.
Rice's confirmation is one of many political firsts for African-American women.
Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman in Congress in 1969. Carol Moseley-Braun was the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992.
Shavonda Thompson, junior HR management major, sees Rice's advancement as a positive step for black women.
"I am glad to see a black woman with this position," Thompson said. "I think this will open doors to positions that black women thought they could not previously have."
