Jasmine Turner ’03, who has more than a decade of experience in molecular virus detection methods, is currently conducting COVID-19 research. She works as a research lab specialist in the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “You do not have to major in a natural science to pursue a career in scientific research,” she says. “I work with people from all walks of life, and I have learned that exposure to disciplines outside of science can really help foster the innovation needed to drive science forward.”

Rhodes College ranks 16th on The Princeton Review’s 2021 list of “Top 20 Best Private Schools for Internships.” The education services company has published its annual guide ranking the nation’s “Best Value Colleges,” Rhodes ranks among the top 50 private colleges, coming in at 47th.  Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges, 2021 Edition, evaluates factors including stellar academics, financial aid, and strong career prospects for graduates.

Dr. Loretta Jackson-Hayes, the James H. Daughdrill Professor in the Natural Sciences, is a 2021 recipient of the Outstanding Mentorship Award from the Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) Chemistry Division. The division recognizes transformative mentoring and advising by higher education faculty across all subdivisions of chemistry. Each includes a cash prize and a certificate of recognition.

Dr. Shana Stoddard, assistant professor of chemistry, is a 2021 recipient of the Mentor Award presented by the Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) Health Sciences Division. The division recognizes transformative mentoring and advising by higher education faculty across all subdivisions of health sciences—wellness, disease, health care, and health management—with awards in the early career, mid-career, and advanced career categories. Each award includes a cash prize and a certificate of recognition.

Rhodes is among 14 small research satellites and the only liberal arts college selected by NASA for the 2021 CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI). Rhodes’ CubeSat, called RHOK-SAT will fly as an auxiliary payload aboard a rocket to reach its low earth orbit. RHOK-SAT is led by Professor of Physics Brent Hoffmeister, Associate Professor of Physics Ann Viano, Project Director Joe McPherson, and a group of students led by Giuliana Hofheins ’22, Ben Wilson ’22, and Eli Matlock ’21.

Rhodes’ liberal arts curriculum encourages students to choose courses across academic disciplines, whatever their major or career goals. Emma Thames '21, who is pursuing a degree in English literature while preparing for medical school, combines skills and perspectives learned in all of her courses as she strengthens her ideas of how to be the best possible physician.

Rhodes Student Employee of the Year is Nathaniel Scott ’21, Supervisor of the Year is Lydia Spencer, and Rhodes Student Associates of the Year are Madelyn Saye ’21 and Dalia Roth ’21.

Dr. Cara Djonko-Moore, assistant professor of educational studies at Rhodes College, is the recipient of a Fulbright Global Scholar Program award, granted by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. She will conduct research in 2022 at universities in Canada and Finland as part of a project to learn how teacher educators in international contexts address issues of diversity in their teacher education programs.

Dr. Evan Williams, assistant professor of music and director of instrumental activities at Rhodes College, was selected from a group of talented and diverse active composers worldwide. He plans to compose a fantasia-like piece of many moods, reflective of the poetry of Claude McKay, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

National enrollment and admission leader Lee Ann Backlund has been appointed interim vice president for enrollment and dean of admission. Backlund will serve through the 2021-2022 school year as the college searches for a permanent enrollment leader.