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UTEP President Heather Wilson Removed from National Science Board by Trump

El Paso Matters•Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:43 PM•Daniel Perez

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All members of the National Science Board, including Heather Wilson, president of the University of Texas at El Paso, were dismissed by the White House on Friday. Wilson, who was appointed by President Trump in March 2020, had her term set to expire on May 10, 2026. The reason for the termination remains unclear as the White House has not provided any explanations. Wilson, who has been UTEP's president since August 2019 and previously served as Trump's Air Force secretary, was attending an event at Parkland High School when asked about her dismissal. The National Science Board plays a crucial role in guiding the NSF and advising on national science policy, with over $8.8 billion allocated for grants in fiscal year 2025.

Key Details: • Wilson's term on the National Science Board was set to end on May 10, 2026. • The National Science Board oversees the NSF, which allocated over $8.8 billion for grants in FY 2025. • Wilson has been UTEP's president since August 2019. • Wilson was previously the secretary of the Air Force during Trump's first term.

trump utep higher-education national-science-board science-policy

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpWhite HouseUniversity of Texas at El PasoParkland High SchoolHeather WilsonNational Science Foundation

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