Caroline Johnson, a Rhodes College senior from Nashville, TN, has been selected for the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, which provides a $40,000 stipend for a 12-month journey to pursue an original project on a global scale. She is one of only 40 fellows chosen nationwide for 2026. Watson Fellows have the freedom to decide where to travel and when to change course, without the need to affiliate with an academic institution or hold formal employment. The program is designed to produce a year of personal insight, perspective, and confidence.
Nick Parinella ’17 Granted U.S. Patents for Winning Invention
Rhodes commerce and business alumnus Nick Parinella ’17 has been issued design and utility patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for his invention, the Kangaroozie™, a can cooler (or koozie) with a water-resistant compartment to store valuables. Parinella, who served as president of the Rhodes Entrepreneurship Club, created a prototype of the Kangaroozie™ after winning first place in the 2016 Rhodes Business Plan Competition.
March 25, 2021
Students Collaborate on National Science Foundation Research, Contribute to Advancements in Robotics
Although robots have been designed to do simple repetitive tasks in the home and workplace, there is more research to be done before robots can perform more difficult autonomous tasks. Computer science majors Shane Elder ’21, Osman Celikok ’22, and Marisa Hudspeth ’22 have been working with Prof. Ross Sowell on human-robot interaction research. Also, the students have had their work supported by summer fellowships.
March 24, 2021
Summer Programs Jump Start College Experience, Leading to Success
From the courtroom to creative writing to politics and chemistry, Rhodes College offers a variety of summer programs aimed at preparing high school students for their college careers. New this year is the Rhodes to Success course designed to assist students with their personal, professional, and academic transition to college life. English literature major Ethan Morris ’23 participated in Rhodes’ Summer Writing Institute in 2017 and says, “It’s one of the biggest reasons I’m here at Rhodes.”
March 22, 2021
Carroll D. Stevens, J.D. to Serve as Interim President of Rhodes College
The Board of Trustees has appointed Carroll Stevens J.D. as interim president of Rhodes College. He will begin serving this summer when President Marjorie Hass departs Rhodes.
March 18, 2021
Rhodes Students Apply Business and Computer Science Studies to Launch New Social App
Motivated to find a more efficient way to plan a night out, Ben Vickers ’21 hatched the idea for MEET, an app that provides users a glimpse into their favorite bar or restaurant before leaving home and a way to message—and then hopefully meet—other users of the app once there. With the help of co-founder Taylor Smith ’21, Megan Wassef ’21, K’Nori Bone ’21, alum Kerry Love ’20, and DU senior Meier Werthan, the app has been successfully funded and launches in March.
March 16, 2021
Roberta Moore ’14 Recognized Nationally Among “Women Who Are Making Conservation History”
Rhodes environmental science alumna Roberta Moore ’14 is being recognized this month by The Conservation Fund for “Women Who Are Making Conservation History.” The national environmental nonprofit is dedicated to protecting America’s most important landscapes and waterways. “I am doing the work I do now because of the education I received at Rhodes,” says Moore.
March 15, 2021
Rhodes Commencement for Classes of 2020 and 2021 Planned for Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Rhodes plans to hold commencement for the classes of 2021 and 2020 in person at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The Class of 2021 will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. and the Class of 2020 ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m.
March 11, 2021
Where Chemistry Meets Business: Zoe Scott ’21 Explores the World of Food Science
Native Memphian Zoe Scott’s dual interests of chemistry and baking have led to a creative career path: food science.
March 10, 2021
Professor and Student Art Duo Shine at Film Festivals
Rhodes Professor Karl Erickson and student Gunner Smith ’21 collaborated on a three-dimensional augmented reality project that has since been featured in multiple film and video festivals.
March 09, 2021