Fourth-year student Ethan Nylen, from Saint John, New Brunswick, is one of 11 students from across Canada to receive a Rhodes Scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford.
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and one of the most prestigious international scholarships and provides recipients with funding to study at Oxford.
“When the selection committee called me to tell me I was a Rhodes Scholar, I was in disbelief. At the time, I sat down on the floor and called my parents to share the good news,” Nylen said.
“It was an honor to be considered for the award in the first place. Even now, I find it hard to express how grateful I am.
Nylen is completing a Bachelor of Arts with Honors 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 the political theories of Sir Francis Bacon.
“I look forward to working with the esteemed professors at Oxford. The department has produced some of the most distinguished political theorists in the world, and having this faculty as mentors is very exciting,” Nylen said.
A leader in the community
Nylen, a Dean’s List student and recipient of the Francis M. McLaughlin Scholarship, has been an active member of the St. Thomas and Fredericton communities since arriving on campus in 2019.
In partnership with STU Campus Ministry, he recently founded a GED community tutoring program. He coordinates the program, develops training materials, recruits and trains volunteers, and acts as a mentor to help program participants earn their GED and secure sustainable employment.
It’s a fitting move for Nylen, who hopes to dedicate her career to providing education to marginalized communities.
“In my experience, education is the most impactful form of activism,” he said. “Equipping communities with the skills to engage in public debate, practical work skills and problem-solving skills is what I hope to bring to the world.”
In addition to this, Nylen is the President of the Great Books Society, has competed with the STU Moot Court team and is currently an engagement intern with Nature Trust of New Brunswick, where he initiated and coordinated the implementation of a planned giving platform. called Will Power which encourages donors to leave a gift in their will.
Nylen is also a campus tour ambassador, welcome week volunteer, varsity athlete with the STU Tommies cross-country team, and tutor at the STU Writing Center, where he provides one-on-one guidance to fellow students. .
“STU is a special place. There aren’t many liberal arts institutions that place so much emphasis on community development and student engagement,” he said.
“It was inspirational and showed me that STU students are capable of amazing things.”
A liberal arts foundation
Inside the classroom, Nylen’s experience with the liberal arts gave him the ability and confidence to engage in thought-provoking discussion and debate and exposed him to high-quality research. . The supportive learning environment allowed him to take intellectual risks, which will be invaluable when he begins his studies at Oxford.
He said his time in the Great Books program was particularly formative.
“Faculty in this program created a learning environment that challenged me to look beyond meeting my degree requirements and to understand education as a privilege and a pleasure,” he said. declared.
“I appreciate the mentorship of my professors and their genuine concern for the success of their students. I feel extremely lucky to be their student.
Oxford around 2023
Nylen is the fifth St. Thomas student to be named a Rhodes Scholar since 2003 — what 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.”
“Internet evangelist. Extreme communicator. Subtly charming alcohol aficionado. Typical tv geek.”