W&M student selected as Rhodes scholar

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - According to a William & Mary news release, Senior Kira Allmann is one of 32 American Rhodes Scholars for 2010, the Rhodes Trust announced November 22.

The Rhodes Scholarships are one of the world’s highest academic awards.

Rhodes Scholars attend Oxford University in England. Allmann will begin her studies there in October of next year. She plans to pursue a Masters of Philosophy in modern Middle Eastern studies.

Allmann, a government and linguistics major, is just the sixth W&M student to receive this honor. She is among just 424 women awarded the scholarship since the first woman was selected in 1976.

“The competition for a Rhodes is simply extraordinary,” said William & Mary President Taylor Reveley. “Those of us at William & Mary are enormously proud of Kira. It is grand to see her accomplishments recognized in this marvelous manner.”

The Rhodes Scholarships were created in 1902 by the will of Cecil Rhodes, British philanthropist and African colonial pioneer. The awards are granted based on “high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor,” said Elliot F. Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust in a November 22 press statement.

Allmann’s academic achievements are numerous. Since her freshman year, she has been a James Monroe Scholar at William & Mary. Monroe Scholars are the most academically distinguished undergraduates at the College. Allmann has also studied Arabic at the Al-Akhawayn University in Morocco, architecture and art history at the University of St. Andrews and had three of her research papers published as an undergraduate in William and Mary’s student-run and peer-reviewed Monitor Journal of International Studies. The summer after her junior year, Allmann interned for the U.S. State Department at the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels. On campus, she is also involved with numerous organizations and serves as president of several honor societies. Allmann, a Williamsburg resident and Lafayette High School graduate, is also engaged in the Williamsburg community substitute teaching in the Williamsburg-James City County public schools.

“Kira Allmann's selection is totally thrilling and yet totally unsurprising to those of us who have taught or worked with her,” said John McGlennon, professor of government and department chair. “Kira is that rare individual who combines intellect with practicality, who can relate across the spectrum of personalities and positions and who makes an impact wherever she becomes involved. Here in the Government Department, we're excited to anticipate her next successes.”

Allmann and her fellow 2010 Rhodes Scholars were selected from among 805 nominees endorsed by 326 different colleges and universities across the United States. Scholars are also selected, the press release noted, from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, the nations of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (South Africa, plus Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Approximately 80 scholars are selected worldwide each year, including several non-U.S. scholars who have attended American colleges and universities.

“This is a tremendous honor,” said Allmann of the award. “It is both inspiring and humbling to become a member of such a distinguished group of scholars. I’m thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to continue to grow academically and personally.”

Through the Rhodes Trust, the scholarship includes all college and university fees, provides a stipend to cover necessary expenses while in residence in Oxford and transportation to and from England.