Sooners make history by winning Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell scholarships in single year

Editor’s note: Mubeen Shakir and Jerod Coker are former Daily opinion columnists.

OU students made history by winning the Rhodes, Marshall and Mitchell scholarships in the same year for the first time.

Mubeen Shakir, biochemistry senior, was named OU’s 29th Rhodes scholar, one of only 32 nationwide this year.

Jerod Coker, economics senior, was named a Marshall Scholar, OU’s first in 12 years.

Robin Tipps, sociology-criminology senior, was named a Mitchell Scholar, the first OU student to win this award, and one of only 12 nationwide for this year, according to the release.

As a Rhodes scholar, Shakir will attend the University of Oxford in England for two years, where he will pursue master’s degrees in immunology and radiation biology. Following his studies at Oxford, Shakir plans to go to medical school.

“I was very shocked and humbled all at the same time when I found out I got this scholarship,” Shakir said. “The experience at Oxford will supplement my medical education and equip me with the tools and knowledge necessary to become a physician-scientist.”

The Rhodes scholarship brings outstanding students from multiple countries around the world to the University of Oxford where they are selected for two years of study at the university with the possibility of renewal for a third year, according to a press release. The scholarship covers all educational costs.

Shakir plans to attend medical school when he returns to the U.S., Shakir said.

“My goal is to become a clinical oncologist and cancer researcher,” Shakir said.

As a Marshall Scholar, Coker will attend the London School of Economics in England for two years and pursue a master’s degree in economics and philosophy followed by a master’s degree in development studies, according to the release.

“I didn’t think I had a chance of getting the Marshall scholarship, and I was ecstatic when I found out,” Coker said. “This scholarship will help me meet people from all over the world and help me figure out exactly what I want to do in the future,” Coker said.

Coker plans on working a few years after returning from England, then pursuing his joint degree with law and business to receive his JD/MBA at Harvard, Coker said.

Up to 40 Marshall scholarships are given annually to U.S. citizens who will have received a bachelor’s degree before beginning to study overseas. Student recipients can choose any educational institution in the United Kingdom for two, possibly three years of graduate study, according to a press release. The scholarship covers university fees, cost of living expenses, books, research and daily travel grants and fares to and from the U.S.

As a Mitchell Scholar, Tipps plans to attend National University Ireland, Galway for a master’s degree in public law. Earlier, Tipps studied at University College Cork in Ireland, according to a press release.

Up to 12 Mitchell Scholars are awarded annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by educational institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland, according to a press release. The Mitchell scholars program provides tuition, accommodations, a living expenses stipend and an international travel stipend.

Tipps plans on beginning law school after his year in Ireland, then pursuing a career as a tribal attorney, according to a press release.

Brooke Hankinson

Brooke is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Campus Reporter.