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WVU Rhodes Scholars

WVU Rhodes Scholars

The Rhodes Scholarship – among the most prestigious academic awards in the world – is based on academic excellence, integrity, respect for others, leadership ability and sports prowess. The scholarship was created in 1902 by 19th century empire builder and politician Cecil Rhodes who dreamed of making an education at Oxford University available to English-speaking students. He willed an annual sum to provide two or three years of study in any field offered by the 800-year-old university.

WVU has an impressive record of Rhodes Scholars with 25 students having been selected over the years. President David C. Hardesty Jr. was awarded the scholarship in 1967 becoming the institution’s 16th Rhodes Scholar. Carolyn G. Conner was the last student to receive the award in 1995. WVUnow ranks sixth among public state institutions in the number of Rhodes Scholar recipients.