McKendree University Student Named Rhodes Scholarship Finalist

(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 28, 2024) – Ashley Hayley, a senior majoring in biology and minoring in pre-professional studies at McKendree University, has recently been named a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

A native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, Hayley is a member of the university’s women’s hockey team, the Honors Program at McKendree, and the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. During her six completed semesters at McKendree, she was named to the President’s List twice and the Dean’s List six times. Hayley also loves dedicating her time volunteering back home by helping out around various arenas, organizing, teaching and coaching young athletes in ice and ball hockey.

If awarded the opportunity to attend the University of Oxford, Hayley plans to apply for two master’s degrees in clinical embryology and international health and tropical medicine. With these degrees, she aims to become an embryologist and educator in the hopes of increasing the viability of pregnancies and promoting women’s health in traditionally underserved communities.

“I’m so proud of Ashley for earning this opportunity,” said Dr. Mike Louison, associate professor of biology and environmental studies at McKendree University. “From the first time I had her in class, she has stood out not just with her academic ability, but also her willingness to participate and be a leader in class. Whether she ultimately wins this prestigious award or not, I know going forward that she’ll make our university proud with how she handles herself as a graduate.”

Considered to be the world’s most distinguished international scholarship for American college graduates, the Rhodes Scholarship is only awarded to a small number of students worldwide. Last year’s winners consisted of 32 students from the United States with more than 2,500 applying and 862 endorsed by 249 different colleges and universities. More than 100 scholarship recipients from more than 70 other countries joined these students at the University of Oxford this year.

"Given the intensity of the application process, completing a Rhodes Scholarship application is an achievement in itself.  Making it to the finalist stage is extraordinary!" Dr. Martha Patterson, professor of English and coordinator of prestigious fellowships and scholarships at McKendree, said. "McKendree University, especially all of the faculty and coaches instrumental to her growth as a student, wishes Ashley all the best as she continues on to the interview stage."

The Rhodes Scholarship was established in 1903 through the final will and bequest of Cecil John Rhodes. It is a fully funded, full-time, postgraduate award that enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Scholars come to the United Kingdom for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses offed by Oxford. In its history, McKendree has had two Rhodes Scholars: Newton Ensign in 1905 and Cyrus Stokes Gentry in 1915.

For more information, please visit the Rhodes Trust website.

 

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