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UTEP President Heather Wilson Removed from National Science Board by Trump

KVIA•Monday, April 27, 2026 at 8:54 PM•El Paso Matters

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In a surprising move, President Donald Trump terminated all members of the National Science Board, including UTEP President Heather Wilson, on Friday. Wilson, who was appointed in March 2020 and had a term set to expire in May 2026, received a notice thanking her for her service but providing no reasons for her dismissal. The National Science Board plays a crucial role in guiding the National Science Foundation, which allocated over $8.8 billion for grants in fiscal year 2025. Wilson, who has been UTEP's president since August 2019, did not comment on the termination while attending an educational event at Parkland High School. This dismissal raises questions about the board's future direction and its impact on scientific governance.

Key Details: • Wilson's term on the National Science Board was set to expire on May 10, 2026. • The National Science Foundation appropriated over $8.8 billion for grants in fiscal year 2025. • Wilson has been UTEP president since August 2019 and previously served as Secretary of the Air Force.

education trump utep science national-science-board

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Donald TrumpUTEPParkland High SchoolHeather WilsonNational Science Foundation

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