MTV's college network, mtvU, has crowned Secretary of Defense Robert Gates as its "Man of the Year."
Gates was given the honor because he "became a role model for public service, proving that it's possible to work within an institution to impart change," mtvU said in a statement Wednesday.
The network also commended the 67-year-old Republican for his focus on the youth, gender bias and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Rapper Nicki Minaj was named "Woman of the Year" for outdoing her male counterparts in the rap field and "calling for an end to homophobia in hip hop."
