FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) – University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little gives the military high marks for its efforts to eliminate racial barriers.

Gray-Little, the university’s first woman and black chancellor, made the remarks Thursday during an address at Fort Leavenworth. She was speaking in commemoration of Black History Month.

She said efforts to promote racial equality made it possible for Gen. Colin Powell to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and President Barack Obama to become commander in chief.

Gray-Little said black soldiers have played an important role in the nation’s defense, noting the accomplishments of Buffalo Soldiers to protect the frontier and the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.