Sara Alkelani from Greenville, South Carolina, is a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, recognized internationally as the most prestigious and selective major award available to American college students.
“Sara’s selection as a Rhodes finalist is a remarkable achievement reflecting both her talent and the many opportunities available to Clemson students. Her success underscores the power of a Clemson education — where dedicated faculty mentors, rigorous academics and a supportive community help students turn their aspirations into action. We are incredibly proud of Sara and grateful for the Clemson faculty and staff members who have guided her along the way.”
Robert H. Jones, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
The scholarship provides full financial support for students as they complete a graduate degree at the University of Oxford. Scholars demonstrate academic excellence, the energy to use their talents to the fullest, and attributes such as truth, courage, kindness, devotion to duty, moral force of character and instincts to lead.
Enrolled in the Clemson University Honors College, Alkelani was named a Dixon Global Policy Scholar, a highly competitive program that challenges and equips a select group of Honors College students to tackle the world’s most pressing policy issues. Building on that experience, she pursued an internship with the Arab American Institute in the summer of 2024, where she gained firsthand experience in public policy, analyzing research and drafting policy briefs.
Other internships included the highly selective United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program in New York, where Alkelani engaged in daily briefings with diplomats, UN officials and civil society leaders on topics including refugee protection, peacekeeping and global development. Last summer, she served as a Capitol Hill Intern, where she engaged directly with constituents and contributed to the daily operations of a congressional office.
A member of the National Scholars Program, Clemson’s most selective university-wide merit scholarship, Alkelani leads through service. She serves on several Undergraduate Student Government councils and student advisory boards for the Honors College and the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. She is also active in national service organizations including Alpha Phi Omega and Blue Key. In recognition of her commitment to community, Alkelani recently received the Omicron Delta Kappa Service to Society Award.
“Sara exemplifies academic excellence and strength of character — and her deep sense of compassion for her peers and neighbors and unwavering commitment to building people and communities sets her apart as a leader at Clemson University and beyond,” said Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. “The numerous honors and awards she has earned are a testament to her intellect, hard work and desire to make a lasting difference in the world.”
Sarah Winslow, Dean of the Honors College, said that Alkelani’s remarkable range of commitments are unified by her deep and consistent dedication to serving others.
“We often think of college as contributing to students’ growth and development. Rarely do we come across a student for whom the relationship is at least as strong in the other direction,” said Winslow. “Clemson University and its surrounding communities are better places because Sara Alkelani was here.”
Next steps
Alkelani is among the finalists representing the district that includes South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. She and the other finalists will participate in interviews with the district selection committee in Atlanta on November 14–15. After the interviews are complete, the committee will announce the two candidates selected as Rhodes Scholars.
Major fellowships
Students interested in the Rhodes Scholarship or other nationally competitive programs should contact the Office of Major Fellowships at 864-656-9704 or fellowships@clemson.edu.
