Sarah Palin

Birth Name:

Sarah Louise Heath

Birth Place:

Sandpoint, Idaho, United States

Profession

Writer, Actress, Producer, Soundtrack

Named a distinguished alumni of North Idaho College in 2008
Earned her bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Idaho
Previously attended the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, North Idaho College and Matanuska-Susitna College
After earning a journalism degree, she would begin her career as an on-air personality for KTUU and KTVA in Anchorage
After serving on the Wasilla City Council for four years, she would be elected as mayor of the same city in 1996, eventually serving two, three-year terms
Appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2003 following an unsuccessful run at lieutenant governor
Chosen as running mate for presidential hopeful John McCain in August of 2008, thus becoming the first female to receive the Republican nomination
Launched her own political action committee, SarahPAC, in January of 2009
Sworn in as governor of Alaska in December of 2006, becoming the state's first female governor
Competed for the crown of Miss Alaska in 1984, where she finished third
Earned the nickname "Sarah barracuda" in high school after leading her team to the state basketball championship
Just six months into her first term as Alaska governor, her approval rating would reach 93%, a statistic that would never dip below 54%

Fast Facts