Auburn's Rhodes Scholarship Finalist reflects on journey

Victoria Ashley lives by a simple mantra: good things come when you apply yourself. That mindset has carried her far—most recently to her recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most selective postgraduate awards for U.S. students. 

Ashley is a recent Auburn graduate in political science and history, a graduate of the Honors College as a University Honors Research Scholar and a current student in Auburn’s master of public administration program.

Academic Excellence With Real-World Impact

Students are selected for the Rhodes Scholarship based on intellect, character, leadership and commitment to service. Each year, 32 scholars are selected at district interviews across the country, making the selection process highly competitive and deeply respected across academic and professional communities.

“I love the idea that Auburn is focused on research, instruction and extension and I wanted the opportunity to purse all three branches while at Auburn,” said Ashley. “For me leadership and service are intertwined and it’s not about personal glory, but creating effective projects, outcomes and ways to help people perceive the world.”

Ashley has spent her time at Auburn leading with what she refers to as a “servant’s heart.” As an undergraduate, she was a driving force for philanthropy and service events across the state of Alabama, collaborating with a variety of organizations including the Montgomery Homeless Sleeping Mat Ministry, Relay for Life, Beat Bama Food Drive, Storybook Farms, House of Heroes and Habitat for Humanity.

Ashley’s academic achievement in the political science program earned her acceptance in the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Program in Public Administration and placement in the highly competitive Hertog Foundation Political Studies Program Fellowship in Washington, D.C. in 2024

In the Department of History, she served as co-president of the History Club and continues to co-host the “It’s All History to Me” radio hour on WEGL. While in the Auburn University Marching Band, Ashley played the piccolo, served as a Rookie Auburn Tiger Group Leader and acted as president of the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Service Fraternity.

Off campus, she has represented Auburn at the WinShape and LeaderShape Institute leadership training programs. In 2025, the Honors College honored Ashley with the Edgar C. Gentle III Honors Award, given to a graduating Honors College student in recognition of their outstanding scholarship, mental attitude and leadership qualities. 

good things come when you apply yourself

Ashley adopted her personal mantra of “good things come when you apply yourself” after hearing it from her grandfather during a family visit. “I think about this all the time and the concept has continued to help me during my time in college and for the Rhodes application.”  

The selection process is rigorous: the application requires an extensive CV, up to eight letters of recommendation, and a detailed academic statement and personal statement addressing the main tenets of the scholarship.

“Victoria embraced the challenge of competing for one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, and it has been a real pleasure to see her be selected as a finalist,” said Benjamin Fagan, assistant director for National Prestigious Scholarships. “Victoria is not only a brilliant student, but also a leader dedicated to helping others. These qualities impressed the Rhodes selection committee and also convince me that she will succeed in any area she decides to pursue. I am so proud of what she has already accomplished, and excited to see what comes next.”  

Being a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship is an achievement in itself, and the application process can provide valuable self-reflection and preparation for future endeavors. 

“The office of National Prestigious Scholarships is a useful tool to hone your future,” said Ashley. Even before she decided to attend Auburn University, Ashley knew she would be utilizing the tools available through the office to future her educational aspirations. “So much of college is about building skills, but the NPS office taught me how to apply these skills,” said Ashley.

The Rhodes Scholarship

The Office of National Prestigious Scholarships provides comprehensive advising and guidance to students and recent alumni who are interested in exploring and applying to competitive national and international scholarships and fellowships to support graduate study and career pathways.

Auburn University has had five Rhodes Scholars beginning with Hugh Long (1949), Ed Gentle (1978), Susan Karamanian (1981), Jordan Anderson (2009), and Matthew Rogers (2017).

The Rhodes Scholarships, founded in 1904, are the oldest international fellowships. Each year 32 scholars are selected from the United States. Winners of the scholarship have the opportunity to do graduate work at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.