Abrianna Morales, a 2023 graduate, has been named one of the 32 U.S. recipients of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. The award provides full funding for two years of graduate study at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading academic institutions.
Morales, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology, has demonstrated a commitment to victim advocacy and policy reform. During her time at UNM, she was a Presidential Scholarship recipient, a 2022 Truman Scholar, and a researcher in both the McNair Scholars Program and the Psychology Honors Program.
“I am so honored and privileged to have been selected as a 2025 Rhodes Scholar,” said Morales. “Though I am incredibly excited to pursue studies at the University of Oxford, I most look forward to becoming a part of a global community of scholars and changemakers who are dedicated to making our world a better place.”
As a founder of Sexual Assault Youth Support Network, Morales has worked to address the needs of young sexual assault survivors by providing vital resources and support. She currently serves as a program manager with the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA), where she oversees the nationwide Victim Advocacy Corps. This pilot program, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, equips college students with advocacy training, credentialing, mentorship, and field placements to build the next generation of leaders in victim services.
Morales’ academic interests center on the intersection of identity development and youth service engagement. In October 2025, she will begin a two-year master’s program in Political Thought at the University of Oxford.
“I am so honored and privileged to have been selected as a 2025 Rhodes Scholar. Though I am incredibly excited to pursue studies at the University of Oxford, I most look forward to becoming a part of a global community of scholars and changemakers who are dedicated to making our world a better place.”
– Abrianna Morales, 2025 Rhodes Scholar
“As a native New Mexican, I recognize that opportunities like this are not often afforded to people in communities like ours, and I want to express how proud I am to represent and advocate for the interests and experiences of people in our state,” said Morales. “I could not have achieved this without the support and influence of my community, my friends and family, my partner, or the myriad mentors and teachers that have helped me along the way.”
Morales’ selection marks UNM’s first Rhodes Scholarship recipient since 2001, a significant achievement reflecting the university’s dedication to cultivating academic excellence and leadership.
“The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive awards in the world, and Abrianna has joined an elite group of scholars who are shaping the future,” said Dr. Kiyoko Simmons, who coordinates nationally competitive scholarships at the UNM Honors College. “Abrianna is an exceptional individual who is always seeking ways to improve the lives of others. She has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to merge intellectual rigor with meaningful action. She has shown that scholarship and service go hand in hand.
“The Rhodes Scholarship will offer her a lifelong scholarly community and a platform to expand her impact, learn from diverse perspectives, and lead efforts to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. I couldn’t be more proud of her and am excited to see the incredible work she will continue to do. This moment underscores the talent and potential of our students at The University of New Mexico. Abrianna’s success serves as an inspiration for our community.”
“Abrianna Morales is an exceptional person who displays professional poise far beyond her years. I’ve been extremely impressed by her intelligence, her drive, and her good nature,” said Jaymes Fairfax-Columbo, an assistant professor in UNM’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and research mentor for Morales. “I cannot think of a more deserving individual for a Rhodes Scholarship opportunity and I’m excited to see the positive changes she’ll continue to bring into the world!”
The 32 Rhodes Scholars chosen from the United States will join an international group of Scholars chosen from 25 other jurisdictions (more than 70 countries) around the world, and two Global Scholars from any country in the world without its own Scholarship. Over one hundred Rhodes Scholars will be selected worldwide this year, including several who have attended American colleges and universities but who are not U.S. citizens and who have applied through their home country.
"I could not be more excited for Abrianna. She is a gifted scholar and passionate advocate for young people," said Lisa Broidy, Distinguished Professor & chair in the Department of Sociology & Criminology. "I have no doubt that she will take full advantage of her time as a Rhodes Scholar as she pursues her post-graduate degree and continues to encourage and promote youth service and advocacy. She is a rising star and the UNM community should celebrate her well-deserved accomplishment with pride."
"Abrianna is that rare student whose commitment to her intellectual pursuits spans many worlds. She has served the vulnerable, the resilient, and she has done so with an intellectual curiosity and authenticity that inspires everyone,” said Associate Professor of Economics and UNM Presidential Teaching Fellow Manuel-Julian R. Montoya. “This is a student who loves New Mexico and has contributed to its rich tapestry. She also represents many other students in the past 20 years that represent that same commitment to the world through UNM. The University is proud of her and what that says about our students and our state."
For more information, visit Rhodes Scholarship.