Office of University Communications 

Missouri State student selected as a Rhodes Scholar finalist

SPRINGFIELD — David Vinyard, a May 2007 chemistry graduate in the Honors College, became the first-ever Rhodes Scholarship finalist from Missouri State University. 

Thirty-two scholarships are assigned annually to the United States of America. States are grouped into 16 districts for the purpose of making these appointments. Each district committee selects not more than two candidates who will represent the state or states within each district as Rhodes Scholars at Oxford. The names of scholarship winners were announced at the close of the district committee meetings Nov. 18.

“To be recognized as a Rhodes finalist has been an amazing experience and confirms my belief that Missouri State students can compete in elite academic circles,” said Vinyard. “My fellow finalists were incredibly accomplished and I was proud simply to be included in such company. The substantial Rhodes application process has shown me that I have a great network of support at Missouri State and has given me the confidence to continue to strive for great things as I plan for the next chapter in my life.”

Proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard is the first quality required of applicants, but they are also required to show integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the full.

Scholarship founder Cecil Rhodes desired that his scholars be intellectually, morally and physically capable of leadership in any field. Seeking scholars who were more than “mere bookworms,” he wanted their intellectual talents to be combined with concern for others.The Committees of Selection therefore assign the highest importance to this blend of character with intellect.

“David is unique in both the range and quality of his accomplishments,” said Dr. Art Spisak, director of the Honors College and coordinator of the fellowships office. “He is an exceptional scientist, a well-rounded scholar and an articulate and responsible leader. David epitomizes the accomplished and civically engaged graduate that Missouri State, with its state-mandated public affairs mission, aspires to cultivate.”

Missouri State’s campus Rhodes representative, Dr. Denise Dutton, assistant professor of political science, worked closely with Vinyard through the rigorous application process. “I was most impressed with the way David applied his extraordinary academic capabilities to the everyday world,” she said. “For example, he frequently conducts science-based demonstrations for local grade school children in order to make them more familiar with his field, chemistry.”

Vinyard was also recently named a Missouri State Citizen Scholar. The award is given by the Missouri State Board of Governors to students who have contributed to the university, advanced the university’s public affairs mission, have been significantly engaged in extra-curricular accomplishments, and/or in significant service activities in the community.

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