UNC Charlotte Announces Scholarship Nominees
Three students from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, along with a recent graduate, have been selected as nominees for the prestigious Marshall and Rhodes scholarships this year.
The nominees include seniors Natalie Doerfler, Hannah Rowles, and Avery Taylor, as well as Annabelle Hill, who graduated in spring 2026. According to Andrew Keener, director of honors advising and nationally competitive awards in the Honors College, this group demonstrates a strong dedication to addressing political and environmental challenges at an advanced level. “Their accomplishments and goals are a testament to their own drive, to their faculty mentorship and to what is possible at Charlotte,” Keener noted.
Scholarship Overview
The Rhodes Scholarship, established in the late 19th century, is recognized as one of the most esteemed international postgraduate awards, offering comprehensive funding for graduate studies at Oxford University. In contrast, the Marshall Scholarship, created in 1953, provides full financial support for American students to pursue one to three years of study at nearly any university in the United Kingdom.
Both scholarships cover travel, tuition, living costs, and offer opportunities for leadership development and cross-cultural engagement. The application process for these awards begins each spring and requires detailed research proposals, personal statements, and multiple letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Details on Nominees
Natalie Doerfler, a double major in political science and biology from Calera, Alabama, has actively sought international experiences in places like Costa Rica and Spain. At UNC Charlotte, she led a project to construct a playhouse for Habitat for Humanity. She is nominated for the Marshall Scholarship.
Annabelle Hill, who graduated in 2026 with degrees in political science, French, and international studies, is currently serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Malta after receiving a Fulbright grant for the 2026–27 academic year. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Hill was also a finalist for both the Truman and Marshall Scholarships in 2025 and is nominated for the Marshall Scholarship.
Hannah Rowles, hailing from Weddington, North Carolina, is pursuing a double major in political science and international studies. She has studied abroad in Latvia, speaks Russian, and aspires to become a Foreign Service officer. Rowles is the nominee for the Rhodes Scholarship.
Avery Taylor, a Levine Scholar from Marion, North Carolina, is majoring in earth and environmental sciences. She has engaged in conservation advocacy through biodiversity research, fieldwork, and internships at the Charlotte Raptor Center and Edisto Beach State Park. Taylor is also nominated for the Marshall Scholarship and was a University nominee for the Truman Scholarship in 2025.
Source: UNC Charlotte
