ETSU’s Kyah Powers has been named a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, marking the university’s third consecutive year earning this prestigious national honor. 

Kyah Powers was sitting in her aunt’s living room, sorting through old childhood materials, when she glanced down at her phone and noticed a single word: “Rhodes.” 

“We all went silent,” she said.  

She opened the email.  

Then the words stopped coming. Excited tears flowed.  

“I don’t come from a background where this is something I would have expected for myself,” said Powers, an East Tennessee State University senior double majoring in political science and philosophy with a minor in environmental studies.  

Powers, a Dobyns Bennett High School graduate, has been named a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship – making ETSU one of the few institutions in the nation to produce three consecutive Rhodes finalists in as many years. 

Why does the Rhodes Scholarship matter? 

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious merit scholarships in the world, with a global acceptance rate of just 0.7%. Only 32 of nearly 900 of the nation’s most talented scholars win the award annually. 

For ETSU to produce back-to-back-to-back finalists – Shivam Patel in 2023, Trent White in 2024, and now Powers in 2025 – signals something profound about the university’s trajectory. 

What does this achievement mean for the ETSU community? 

ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland sees Powers’ selection as validation of the university’s commitment to supporting students at the highest levels. 

“We are a regional public institution without the resources of an Ivy League school. People unfamiliar with East Tennessee State University may not expect us to compete at this level,”  Noland said. “But students like Kyah prove that heart, determination and hard work matter — that community matters. How have we fielded three Rhodes finalists in three years? It comes down to the character and commitment of the people of this region.”  

He added: “We believe in the power and potential of our students. And this community — the ETSU community — works together to ensure they have the opportunity and support they need to compete at an elite level. If they need help preparing for a presentation, volunteers spend their nights and weekends coaching them. If they need a suit for an interview, angel donors provide them with professional clothes. What we may lack in resources, we make up for in community connection and pride.”  

Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, emphasized the institutional commitment behind these achievements. 

“Our entire ETSU community takes immense pride in celebrating Kyah’s success,” McCorkle said. “This recognition reflects her deep commitment to leadership and public service, qualities we are proud to cultivate and support. Three consecutive Rhodes finalists demonstrates that ETSU has built the infrastructure and culture necessary to help our most ambitious students compete on the world stage.” 

How has ETSU supported Powers' success? 

Powers credits two programs in particular for her journey to Rhodes finalist: the Roan Scholars Leadership Program and ETSU’s Prestigious Awards office. 

“There has not been a moment in my undergraduate career when I felt I couldn’t reach out to Roan Leadership for answers,” Powers said.  

Scott Jeffress, executive director of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program, has watched Powers flourish throughout her time at ETSU. 

“Kyah has shown remarkable vision, resilience and dedication to service throughout her journey with the Roan Scholars Leadership Program,” Jeffress said.  

The Prestigious Awards office provided another layer of support, regularly sending opportunities matched specifically to Powers’ interests and background. 

What makes this streak significant? 

Dr. Carson Medley, assistant dean of the Honors College and director of Prestigious Awards at ETSU, sees the three-year streak as evidence of growing momentum. 

“For regional public universities to compete in the prestige economy of scarce commodities – high-valued national awards and global fellowships – our students must understand it is not enough to have done something well; they must have done it well and better than anyone else,” said Medley. “Kyah got the message day one as a freshman and has been grinding ever since. This is what it takes to become a Rhodes finalist.”

ETSU’s academic excellent on the world stage  

This achievement underscores ETSU’s growing reputation for academic excellence and distinction. ETSU continues to deliver nationally recognized opportunities that empower students to compete on the world stage.  

Learn more at etsu.edu/trailblazers.