PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Tulsa's Kirk Smith, a senior and a captain of the cross country team, was selected as a Rhodes Scholar. Smith is one of 32 American students selected to recieve what is considered the most elite scholarship for international study.

Rhodes Scholars recieve a fully funded opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in England for at least two years.

Smith is majoring in mechanical engineering and has participated in research in clean energy at Tulsa, the Colorado School of Mines, and in Germany. He also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma and plans to pursue a doctorate in engineering science at Oxford.

"Kirk is a great leader. He leads by example. He's worked hard here all four years, and I think his work ethic speaks the most about him. I think the guys follow him for that. They really look up to him," said Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Steve Gulley.

Rhodes Scholars are selected based on criteria established by the will of 19th century businessman Cecil Rhodes: outstanding scholarly achievements, character, commitment to others and to the common good, and potential for leadership in their chosen career field. 

Each year, a total of 80 Rhodes Scholars receive the award, including 32 from the United States. These 32 students will begin their studies at Oxford in October 2017 and were selected Saturday from a pool of 882 candidates who had been nominated by their colleges and universities.