Michelle Johnson, the first woman to serve as superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, will deliver the address at the University of New England’s 190th commencement ceremony, school officials announced.

Johnson, a retired lieutenant general, served as academy superintendent, a role similar to that of a college president, from 2013-17. Before that, she worked as the deputy chief of staff for operations and intelligence at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Belgium, according to the Air Force.

The University of New England tapped Lt. General Michelle Johnson, a former NATO official and first female head of the US Air Force Academy, to give its 2025 commencement address. Photo courtesy of University of New England

“Lt. Gen. Johnson came from modest means and worked hard and courageously to get to where she is today. Her perseverance and dedication embody what we aim to instill in our students,” university President James Herbert said in a written statement. “Her diverse experiences in global affairs, leadership and breaking glass ceilings make her an ideal speaker to inspire our graduates as they embark on their own paths of impact and service.”

UNE’s commencement ceremony takes place the morning of May 17 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. More information is available at une.edu/commencement.

Johnson earned her a master of arts in politics and economics from Oxford University via the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, making her the first female Rhodes Scholar to serve in the Air Force, UNE said.

Her military career spanned 36 years and more than 3,600 flying hours, the school said. She carried the nuclear codes for Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. After retiring from the academy in 2017, she spent more than two years as the NBA’s head of referee operations.