In an unprecedented tie-breaking vote Tuesday afternoon, President Trump’s education secretary pick Betsy DeVos was confirmed by the Senate 51-50.

DeVos, 59, is an American businesswoman and philanthropist. She has devoted a large part of her life to expanding educational choice through charter schools and vouchers, but many are concerned with her limited experience with the public school system.

Trump announced his intent to nominate DeVos in November, citing that she is “a brilliant and passionate education advocate.”

“Under her leadership we will reform the U.S. education system and break the bureaucracy that is holding our children back so that we can deliver world-class education and school to all families,” the president said.

Iowa State President Steven Leath commented on DeVos during an interview with the Iowa State Daily last Wednesday, saying that when it comes to what to expect from the new secretary, many in higher education don’t know.

“If you look at her background, it’s mostly K-12. She’s been largely silent during the confirmation and nomination process on higher ed,” Leath said.

Leath said that with DeVos, they will engage through their affiliations to hope to ensure that she has expertise around what affects higher education.

“We’re going to be as proactive as we can,” Leath said.

Vice President Mike Pence made history in the Senate Tuesday when confirming DeVos, as it was the first time that a vice president was summoned to the Capitol to break a tie on a cabinet nomination. Two Republicans voted against the nomination of DeVos. 

DeVos tweeted soon after she was confirmed, saying she is honored to serve.

I appreciate the Senate’s diligence & am honored to serve as @usedgov Secretary. Let’s improve options & outcomes for all US students.

— Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVos) February 7, 2017

Leath said Wednesday that what higher education needs from a secretary of education, is “someone who understands that most people in this country get education from these big public institutions like [Iowa State].”

“We need the secretary to engage other secretaries and other agencies in the federal government about the importance of research and how it drives quality of life and economic success in this country,” Leath said, also citing the importance of finanical support such as pell grants.