University of Tennessee student named Rhodes scholar

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A University of Tennessee student is among this year’s Rhodes scholars.

The 32 recipients of the prestigious scholarship announced Sunday includes Grant H. Rigney of Normandy. The senior was selected to begin studies next fall at Oxford University in England.

Rigney will pursue master’s degrees in Global Health Science and Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation.

In Knoxville he is studying chemical and biomolecular engineering and is the editor-in-chief of the university’s journal of undergraduate research.

He also volunteers at a local homeless clinic, is a licensed pilot, competes in triathlons and is an accomplished bluegrass musician on the fiddle and mandolin.

The Rhodes Trust says it selected 21 women, the most ever in a single class. Almost half of the 32 winners are also immigrants or first-generation Americans.