Release date: Dec. 9, 2002
Contact: Deb Hammacher, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0644 or dhammac@emory.edu

Emory Student Selected as Rhodes Scholar

Emory University senior John Henderson is one of 32 American college or university students selected as Rhodes Scholars, the Rhodes Scholarship Trust announced Dec. 7. Henderson is the 17th Emory student to be selected for the scholarship that provides for two or three years of study at the University of Oxford in England. Henderson is the second Emory Rhodes Scholar in four years. Henderson was selected from 981 applicants endorsed by 341 colleges and universities nationwide. Ninety-eight applicants from 74 institutions were finalists.

"I was shocked," says Henderson when asked his reaction to the announcement that he was one of four students from the southern region selected. "I just expected to give the best that I could, but I didn't really think I'd get it. The best part was meeting so many brilliant, amazing people. Any of the finalists could very easily have been selected."

Henderson is majoring in political science with a focus on Latin American politics, and is minoring in philosophy and Italian. He will pursue his master's degree in political thought at Oxford, or the M.Phil as it is known in England. He is particularly interested in comparative politics and ultimately plans to pursue a career in academia.

"I want to pursue and formulate a progressive model of leadership, one where government is more responsive to the people instead of the more elite model we currently have," says Henderson.

"On behalf of this university, and in particular his teachers and fellow students, let me say that we are immensely proud of the accomplishments--academic and civic--of John Henderson," says Emory President William M. Chace. "I am so proud that Emory is the kind of place that can help produce a Rhodes Scholar. We wish him well at Oxford, and are very glad to be in his company."

Henderson has an impressive academic track record, with a 3.9 grade point average. He is a recipient of Emory's Goodrich C. White Scholarship for academic achievement and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa as a junior. He is a member of several honor societies, including Phi Eta Sigma (first year students), Pi Sigma Alpha (political science) and Phi Sigma Tao (philosophy).

Henderson also is an avid musician, and is a member of the folk-rock group, the whelks. Music is another form of activism for him.

"I use music, alongside a commitment to activism and scholarship, to uplift the downtrodden and tell silenced stories. I try to foster thought by adding my political voice onto the many others. This is my lifelong political struggle, and it is a labor of love."

"John loves to motivate and challenge others. He believes that while individual self-improvement is important, it is as a group member that one truly most enjoys achievement and advancement," says Robert Paul, interim dean of Emory College. "In conversation with John, one quickly learns that he is an extremely humble yet inquisitive young man who achieves a great deal without much fanfare. He will make an excellent impression abroad as a U.S. citizen."

In addition to his academic work, Henderson, an Eagle Scout, is active in the Emory and greater community in many ways, including political activism centered around environmentalism and anti-violence. Some of his many accomplishments and activities include:

• member and committee chairman Alaska Coalition of Georgia, a regional organization seeking the protection of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge

• member and treasurer, Empty the Shelters

• member, ECO-Seac, Emory's campus student environmental group

• member, Georgia Coalition Against the War

• treasurer, Students Against Violence

• co-founder and chairman of coalition committee, Heritage Forest Campaign, a national grassroots coalition dedicated to the successful enactment of a roadless policy in the publicly owned forests

• member of the Barkley Forum, Emory's competitive debate team, and volunteer debate judge, Atlanta Urban Debate League

• assistant scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America Troop 27 of Little Rock, Ark. (1998-2000)

Emory's most recent Rhodes scholars are Danielle Sered (1999) and Stanley J. Panikowski III (1992).

The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902 by the will of British philanthropist and colonial pioneer Cecil Rhodes, is the oldest international study award available to American students. Scholars are chosen based on criteria set down by Rhodes: high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor. The American scholars join students from 18 other jurisdictions around the world. With this year’s selection of scholars, 2,982 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships representing 305 colleges and universities. The scholarship pays all college and university fees and provides a stipend to cover expenses while in residence in Oxford as well as during vacations. The total value averages approximately $30,000 per year depending on the degree being pursued.

Henderson, the son of Vincent and Sherry Henderson, is a native of Little Rock, Ark.

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