UTSOA Student Wins Rhodes Scholarship

UTSOA architecture senior Jessica Glennie has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most prestigious graduate scholarships in the world.

"On behalf of the whole Longhorn family, I congratulate Jessica on this great honor,” said UT Austin President Bill Powers. “I’m excited to see how she will use this opportunity to advance her scholarship, and ultimately, to see what she will bring to our collective conversation about sustainability.”

As a Rhodes scholar, Glennie will study at the University of Oxford, focusing on environmental policy and change. She is interested in the world’s environmental and social management issues and plans to be an architect and environmental leader.

“We are very proud of Jessica. She is an outstanding student, athlete, and role model,” said Fritz Steiner, dean of the School of Architecture. “Jessica exemplifies the excellence of our students in the School of Architecture at UT Austin.”

Established in 1903 under the will of Cecil Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding students for two years of study at the University of Oxford.

Various English-speaking nations grant Rhodes scholarships, including Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Approximately 83 scholarships are granted globally each year. Glennie’s was awarded through New Zealand, where she attended Macleans College before coming to UT Austin.

A native of South Africa, Glennie is a member of UT’s rowing team and received the Big 12's 2014 Dr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award.

She is the 29th UT Austin student to be honored with a Rhodes Scholarship since its inception. In 2001, another School of Architecture student, Sara Cecilia Galvan [B.Arch. '01], was awarded a United States Rhodes Scholarship.

Two other UT Austin students are Rhodes finalists this year.

Last year, John Russell Beaumont [B.Arch. and BA Plan II '13] was awarded the prestigious British Marshall Scholarship and is doing postgraduate work at the University of Manchester.