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FSU student-athlete named Rhodes Scholar
Stephanie Evans
November 28, 2005
Adding to the achievements of Florida State University students, FSU graduate student Garrett Johnson received one of 32 Rhodes Scholarships last week.
In accordance with the scholarship, Johnson will travel to England to study at Oxford University for two years.
"This is an honor for Garrett, Florida State University and all Floridians," Governor Jeb Bush said in a press release. "Garrett's achievement in becoming a Rhodes Scholar demonstrates his leadership, dedication to public service and commitment to excellence. He is an example to all Florida students who are striving for academic success."
Johnson, a graduate student studying public administration at FSU, is also a track and field athlete at the University.
Over the years Johnoson has amassed numerous honors, including achieving ESPN Academic All-American status in 2005, setting numerous track and field records at FSU in shot put and receiving the Golden Torch award, an award given each year to the FSU athlete with the highest GPA. He also worked as a special assistant to the governor and to the chief of staff.
Graduating magna cum laude in three years did not come easily to Johnson, however. He had to battle a life-threatening illness during his years as an undergraduate.
"I am humbled by this experience and seeing so many faces and seeing so many people support not only me as an athlete but the many amazing things that Florida State students contribute and do for the University," Johnson said.
Johnson is the second FSU Rhodes Scholar. Caroline Alexander was named a Rhodes Scholar in 1976. She went on to become an author, writing books such as The Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty and Battle's End: A Seminole Football Team Revisited.
As part of his public service, Johnson traveled to Haiti in 2004 to distribute food and medical supplies to people affected by floods and mudslides. He also served as an assistant to the executive director of the Bush's Haiti Advisory Group.
The University recently began the Office of National Fellowships in order to make students aware and help them prepare their applications to 50 nationally competitive undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Johnson worked with director of the Office of National Fellowships Jody Spooner while preparing his application.
"Competing for any national fellowship is an arduous process, but the Rhodes Scholarship is particularly grueling," Spooner said.
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international study award available to American students. It was created in 1902 by the will of Cecil Rhodes, a British philanthropist and colonial pioneer. The scholarship provides two or three years of study at Oxford University in Great Britain. Only 32 Americans were awarded a scholarship this year and 63 were chosen from other countries.
"I want to applaud you, the parents, for the job that you have done in raising such an outstanding young man, and because of that this is a red letter day at Florida State University," FSU Athletic Director Dave Hart said.
FSU student-athlete named Rhodes Scholar
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