Sinead Eksteen ’22, a biology major from Vienna, VA, won the annual scholarship presented by the Memphis Area Geographic Information Council. The $2,000 award was announced at the group’s Geospatial Conference recently held at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Eksteen submitted a written research proposal and then gave a 20-minute research talk titled “Benthic Biodiversity and Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise in the Chesapeake Bay” at the conference.

Dr. Brent Hoffmeister, professor and chair of physics at Rhodes College, has been named a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America for contributions to the understanding of ultrasound characterization of bone. His research involves medical applications of physics.

Rhodes College juniors David Caddle, Walker Coleman, Priscilla Foreman, and Jimmy Mullen are competing for the 2022 Truman Scholarship, the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders. The award provides up to $30,000 to apply toward graduate school. Recipients must be nominated by their institution, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, demonstrate academic excellence, and be committed to careers in government or the nonprofit sector.

Dr. Mary Miller, professor and chair of biology at Rhodes College, supported by a collaborative team of biology faculty, has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant of more than $350,000 for a three-year project titled “MRI: Acquisition of a Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) Supporting Multi-Disciplinary Approaches to Exploring Biological Responses.”

Michael Morgan, director of financial aid at Rhodes College, has been elected to serve as president of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA), effective July 1, 2022. “I am honored to be chosen for this important role,” says Morgan. “Professional organizations such as SASFAA develop leadership within our profession and fight for the needs of current and future students, ensuring an affordable education for all who wish to attend college.”

Rhodes College sent a delegation of 11 members to the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature’s (TISL) 52nd General Assembly, held Nov. 18-21 in Nashville at the State Capitol. Harry Dircks ’24 won the Outstanding Senator award, and Pierce Rose ’22 received The Douglas Carlisle Award, given to an student who has made significant contributions to TISL through participation, service, and leadership. Other members of the team include Matthew Kenny ’22, who served as this year’s Governor, and Maya Ring ’23, who served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate.

At an on-campus celebration on Dec. 6, 2021, Rhodes College announced the appointment of Jennifer M. Collins as its 21st president following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees.

Rhodes College has become a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), an organization that empowers faculty, administrators, staff, and students in making strides for a more sustainable future. AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way that encompasses human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations. Membership covers every individual at an institution so that the entire campus can take advantage of member benefits.

Rhodes College faculty continuously explore topics in their areas of expertise and produce publishable work. The roundup shares their latest research.

Erika Pope, musical arts coordinator for the Rhodes Department of Music, serves as the 39th National President of Tau Beta Sigma, which is a co-educational National Honorary Band Sorority. Dr. Carole Blankenship, chair of the Rhodes Department of Music, is finishing up a two-year term as president of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.