AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The University of Texas System has formally appointed U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson as president of the University of Texas at El Paso.

Wilson was named the sole finalist for the position on March 8 and the system Board of Regents officially appointed her Tuesday.

The former congresswoman has faced backlash from UTEP students over her voting record on LGBTQ rights, immigration and federal Pell Grants.

UT system spokeswoman Karen Adler says Wilson met with students, faculty and staff on campus last week to discuss community concerns.

Five people from the UTEP community, including one alum and at least one professor, spoke against Wilson's nomination Tuesday.

Wilson will replace Diana Natalicio, who has served as UTEP president for three decades. Wilson will resign from the Air Force in May.

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