CHOICES, a nonprofit comprehensive care clinic, introduced new executive director Jennifer Pepper ’13 in a press release this week. In The Memphis Flyer, Pepper talks about her career in the nonprofit field that led to leading CHOICES at this critical time for the organization, including how her experiences while at Rhodes influenced her path.

Rhodes College President Marjorie Hass will depart the college this summer to become president of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), a Washington-based national association of independent colleges and universities that supports leadership development, advances institutional excellence, and enhances the national understanding of private higher education. In this position she will be a leading voice in the national debates over higher education and in ensuring that independent higher education successfully adapts to new conditions. 

As a result of being a runner-up in last year’s John Quincy Adams Society’s student foreign policy essay contest, political economy major (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Connor Lambert ’22 had his essay published in The National Interest. He says his advisor Prof. Stephen Ceccoli told him about the contest and helped him research his topic. “One of my favorite things about the political economy major is its interdisciplinary nature. I’ve enjoyed being able to pursue my academic passions across departments,” says Lambert. “Professors Ceccoli, Collins, Sciubba, Wirls, and Cullen all have provided invaluable guidance in their courses.”

Sophia Mason '16 is one of eight recipients of the 2021 New Public Sculptors Fellowship. This fellowship from the Urban Art Commission, in partnership with ArtsMemphis and The University of Memphis, will provide these artists in-depth training and professional development resources in the field of sculptural arts. Topics covered include writing proposals and statements, budgeting, fabrication techniques, community engagement, and modeling and 3D design visualization.

Rhodes College faculty have a strong investment in training future scientists, according to Dr. Larryn Peterson, associate professor of chemistry. With a National Science Foundation grant, she and her team of students have been conducting research that is yielding big benefits. Erykah Starr ’20, Alexa Alana ’20, Ryan Marasco ’21, and Skyler Cochrane ’18 share their experiences on the team.

Clarence Day Scholar Russ Palmer ’21 earned the title of Battalion Commander in the ROTC program by the start of his senior year and was named cadet of the month last October, a national recognition that acknowledges the outstanding performance of an individual both in the classroom and in training.

Dr. Altovise Ewing graduated from Rhodes College in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and went on to receive a doctorate in genetics from Howard University. She now is one of the few Black Ph.D.-trained and board-certified genetic counselors in the United States.

Mathematics majors Lawton Walker and Evuilynn Nguyen recently presented posters at the annual Joint Mathematics Meeting, known as the world’s largest mathematics gathering. Both students are seniors and pursuing minors in computer science.

Members of Rhodes College’s storied and successful mock trial program haven’t let last year’s challenges of adapting to a virtual format defeat them. After competing in the regional mock trial tournament held online Feb. 6, Rhodes A team secured the college’s first bid to compete in the opening round of the National Championship Tournament.

Rhodes College biology alumna Morgan Fuller ’16 recently received the Student DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) of the Year award at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia. She is a candidate for the national Student DO of the Year award, which will be announced this spring and is hosted by the American Association of Colleges and Osteopathic Medicine.