January 22

Susan Rice Confirmed As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

On January 22, 2009, Susan Elizabeth Rice, was confirmed by the United States Senate as the first African American woman  to serve in the capacity of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in the administration of President Barack Obama.  She later was selected as the United States National Security Advisor for President Obama.

Rice first worked in the administration of President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 1997 as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council. Rice also worked from 1993 to 1995 on the National Security Council staff as the Director for International Organizations and Peacekeeping.

Rice was born on November 17, 1964 in Washington, DC.  She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1986 from Stanford University with a BA degree in history.   She received a Rhodes Scholar and enrolled at New College, Oxford and obtained a M.Phil (Master's degree)1988 and a D.Phil (Ph.D) 1990 in International Relations.