WASHINGTON, D.C. - Army West Point women's lacrosse senior Margaret Williams has been named as one of 32 Americans chosen as Rhodes Scholars announced by Elliot F. Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust, on November 12. 

The United States Military Academy sees two Cadets selected to receive Rhodes Scholarships this year, bringing the all-time total to 102 West Point Cadets to be named Rhodes Scholars. Cadet Kai Youngren joins Williams as one of the 32 selections. This is the third-straight year that a Cadet-Athlete has been named a Rhodes Scholar with Hannah Blakely of the track and field program being selected this past November. Williams becomes the first cadet in women's lacrosse' program history to be named a Rhodes Scholar.

Williams, a native of Greenwich, Conn is an economics major at West Point. Her research and professional objectives focus on international economics. An internship with the White House National Security Council in the directorate for International Economics and Competition enabled Williams to experience firsthand the power of economics as a policy tool in the international system. Beyond the classroom, she serves as the Regimental Varsity Athletics Officer. Williams has been recognized annually by the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, is vice president of West Point's Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and research assistant with the Irregular Warfare Initiative. In the spring of 2022, West Point selected Williams as a Presidential Fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. She researches how digital currency and emerging financial technology disrupt financial systems and threaten national security. Williams intends to commission as an engineer officer and aspires to return to the National Security Council to shape strategy that enhances global economic stability. As a Rhodes Scholar, Williams will read for a Master of Science in Economics for Development and a Master of Science in Global Governance and Diplomacy. 

"I am honored to represent the Army and the United States at Oxford. This is an unparalleled opportunity to continue studying the principles of economic development as I prepare to lead in some of the world's most underserved communities." - Margaret Williams 
 
Rhodes Scholarships provide all expenses for two or three years of study at the University of Oxford—ranked the #1 university in the world in many global rankings—and may allow funding in some instances for four years. Mr. Gerson called the Rhodes Scholarships, "the oldest and best-known award for international study, and arguably the most famous academic award available to American college graduates." The Scholarships were created in 1902 by the Will of Cecil Rhodes and are provided in partnership with the Second Century Founders, John McCall MacBain O.C. and The Atlantic Philanthropies, and many other generous benefactors. The first class of American Rhodes Scholars entered Oxford in 1904; those elected today will enter Oxford in October 2023. 
 
Rhodes Scholars are chosen in a two-stage process. First, applicants must be endorsed by their college or university. This year more than 2,500 students began the application process; 840 were endorsed by 244 different colleges and universities. Committees of Selection in each of 16 U.S. districts then invite the strongest applicants to appear before them for interview. Most districts interviewed 14 or more finalists. 
 
Francis R. Johnson was the first West Point cadet to be named a Rhodes Scholar in 1923. In 1959, West Point won six Rhodes Scholarships and Heisman Trophy winner, Pete Dawkins, was among this distinguished group.