Michigan State University senior selected as Rhodes scholar

OKEMOS, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan State University senior is among 32 Americans selected as Rhodes scholars.

The Rhodes Trust announced the recipients Sunday and said Sarah B. Kovan will pursue a master’s of philosophy degree in development studies at Oxford University in England.

The winners were chosen from 869 applicants who were endorsed by 316 colleges and universities. Their scholarships are worth about $50,000 per year and cover all expenses for two or three years of study starting next October.

The American students will join an international group of scholars chosen from 16 jurisdictions around the world. A total of nearly 90 scholars are selected worldwide each year.

Kovan of Okemos will receive bachelor’s degrees in comparative cultures and human biology at Michigan State in East Lansing.

Her academic research includes evaluating options for economic development in Sri Lanka for low-income women, the Rhodes Trust said.

“She has a passion for not only understanding issues in global health, but also in acting on them,” according to a bio on Kovan from The Rhodes Trust.

Kovan spent her free time serving in Israel’s national ambulance corps while studying at Hebrew University. At home, she has provided bedside care to local hospice patients.

Kovan also has been starting midfielder for Michigan State’s varsity soccer team.