National and global news about Rhodes students and alums

Atlanta native Marcus Gray came to Rhodes College seeking a liberal arts education with a focus on pre-law studies. His interest in different cultures and world politics led him to a major in international studies, but he soon discovered a second passion though his coursework: the people, history, and politics of Latin America. Adding a second major of Latin American and Latinx studies has allowed him to academically investigate Latin America from two unique perspectives, fueling his passion for interdisciplinary learning, inspiring his research, and encouraging him to study abroad.

Muhammad Waraich ’25 was first drawn to Rhodes College by the prospect of small class sizes, supportive professors, and a beautiful campus. Once at Rhodes, the international studies and history major has also enjoyed the benefits of internship opportunities and fulfilling programs. With support from the Office of Career Services and the Department of International Studies, the New Jersey native has gained experience in places as close to home as New York City and as far away as Tokyo, Japan.

Fikemi Aiyepeku ’23 is the first Rhodes student to secure placement at one of the big three management consulting firms, which mostly recruit from graduate programs and a narrow set of top 10 universities. She credits her liberal arts education, faculty mentors, and peer support as the driving factors behind her placement as an associate consultant at Bain & Company.

The Global Ghana program at Rhodes provides students with the opportunity to live and study for a semester in Accra, Ghana. Asher Drummond ’25, a philosophy, politics, and economics major and French minor from Colorado, was among the first cohort to participate in the program.

Business major Josh Floyd '23 cites ROTC as a major driver of his academic success and his commitment to Rhodes and the Memphis community.

A diagnosis of cancer hasn’t put a brake on Kathleen Modder's education, athletics, or extracurriculars—instead, she’s chronicling her journey to bring awareness and encouragement to others.

Dr. Shadrack W. Nasong’o, professor of international studies, is co-editor of the new book The Palgrave Handbook of Kenyan History (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023) with Maurice N. Amutabi of Technical University of Kenya and Toyin Falola of the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Sarah Rollens, the R.A. Webb Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College, has been appointed as the next executive editor of the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus.

Ten international studies majors have been selected as Mertie Buckman International Interns to travel abroad and intern in a country of their choosing during 2023.

The Rhodes College chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) is the recipient of an Outstanding Chapter Award from the SPS National Office, a designation given to fewer than 10 percent of all SPS chapters at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally.