Fredericton, NB – St. Thomas University’s Ethan Nylen, of Saint John, New Brunswick, has been named one of 11 students from across Canada to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. Nylen becomes the second STU athlete to ever receive the prestigious scholarship, joining former Tommies’ Cross-Country runner Mary-Dan Johnston.
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, providing funding for its recipients to study at Oxford.
“When the selection committee called me to tell me I was a Rhodes Scholar I was in disbelief. In the moment, I sat down on the ground and called my parents to share the good news,” Nylen said.
“It was an honour to be considered for the award in the first place. Even now, I have a hard time putting into words how thankful I am.”
Nylen, a varsity athlete with STU’s Cross-Country team, is completing a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Great Books and a major in Political Science. He plans to continue his studies in the Master of Philosophy in Politics program, and further his research on Sir Francis Bacon’s political theories.
“I look forward to working with the esteemed faculty at Oxford. The department has produced some of the most distinguished political theorists in the world, and to have this faculty as mentors is very exciting,” Nylen said.
Aside from his accomplishments in athletics and academia, Nylen is also a STU campus tour ambassador, a Welcome Week volunteer, and a tutor with the STU Writing Centre, where he provides one-on-one guidance to fellow students.
“In my experience, education is the most impactful form of activism,” he said. “Equipping communities with the skills to engage in public debate, practical working skills, and problem-solving skills is what I hope to contribute to the world.”
Nylen is the fifth St. Thomas student to be named a Rhodes Scholar since 2003—something he said is a dream come true.
“I look forward to meeting my new classmates, taking intellectual risks, and challenging myself to contribute meaningfully to the study of political thought.”