ABQ Times

Abrianna Morales, a graduate of The University of New Mexico, is set to travel to Denver this month for the Rhodes Scholarship finalist interview. This scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious academic honors globally.

Morales, originally from Las Cruces, graduated summa cum laude from UNM in May 2023 with degrees in Psychology and Criminology. She was named a Truman Scholar in 2022 and engaged in research through UNM’s McNair Scholars Program and Psychology Honors Program.

Currently, Morales works as a program manager with the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA), where she oversees the nationwide Victim Advocacy Corps. This national pilot program is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and aims to train college students in victim advocacy.

“It is an absolute honor to be selected as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship and to have the opportunity to represent UNM and my fellow New Mexicans before the Rhodes Selection Committee,” Morales stated. “I could not have accomplished this without the support of the UNM community or the countless educators, advocates, friends, and family members that have been with me every step of the way. Thank you!”

The interviews for Rhodes finalists will take place on November 15 and 16 across 16 districts. Morales will compete in District 13, which includes several states such as Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Each year, 32 American students are chosen as Rhodes scholars based on their academic excellence, leadership abilities, and dedication to community service. The scholarship allows recipients to study at Oxford University for two years covering tuition and living expenses.

“Being named a Rhodes Scholar is more than just a two-year transformative experience at Oxford,” commented Kiyoko Simmons from UNM Honors College. “It creates lifelong friendships with scholars from around the world. Abrianna is incredibly deserving of this honor.”

If selected as a scholar, Morales intends to pursue a master’s program in Political Thought at Oxford University.