Home > News > U.S. Senator Joni Ernst visits U of L
By Jerad Godsave–
The McConnell Center wrapped up a busy week on Oct. 21 by welcoming Iowa Senator Joni Ernst to speak. Ernst gave a free public lecture in Bigelow Hall, as well as meeting privately with McConnell Scholars beforehand.
Elected in Nov. 2014, Ernst is the first female combat veteran elected to serve in the U.S. Senate. She also retired from the Iowa National Guard as a lieutenant colonel in Nov. 2015. Prior to the National Guard, Ernst served in the United States Army Reserves from 1993 until 2001.