Established in 1902, after the passing of Cecil John Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarship has sought out some of the world’s most outstanding young leaders to pursue a complete expense paid education at the University of Oxford. Over a hundred years later, the scholarships are the oldest and one of the most prestigious academic honors in the world.
Rhodes Scholars are chosen based on high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor. The value of the Rhodes Scholarship varies depending on the academic field, the degree pursued, and the college chosen.
This year, out of the 820 applicants chosen to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, only 32 were awarded, including to Midshipman 1st Class Senior, Sarah Skinner, of the U.S. Naval Academy. She will be the Naval Academy’s 54th Rhodes Scholar.
Skinner is an honors political science major, with a Chinese minor, at the U.S. Naval Academy. Her honors research is aimed at evaluating the overall effectiveness of middle power nations and middle power institutions in mitigating hegemonic competition and conflict between the U.S. and China. This past summer, she studied Taiwanese virtually through National Taiwan University.
Additionally, Skinner has held numerous leadership positions at the Naval Academy, including her current position as the 21st Company commander, where she oversees 150 midshipmen. She has previously served as both the 21st Company drill sergeant and honor sergeant. Skinner is also the Navy Women’s Rugby team captain, was selected to play for the USA’s Rugby Olympic Development Program, and a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society.
Skinner is a 2018 graduate of Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia, and she plans to pursue a Master of Philosophy in international relations at Oxford University. Her education and transportation to and from England will be covered entirely through her scholarship. After completing the Rhodes Scholarship program, Skinner will continue her naval service in the surface warfare community.
Source: The U.S. Naval Academy, The Rhodes Trust