Knight-Hennessy Scholars Unveils Its Diverse 2025 Cohort of Scholars

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Unveils Its Diverse 2025 Cohort



The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University has proudly announced its 2025 cohort, comprising 84 new scholars representing 25 different countries. This eighth cohort stands out for its remarkable diversity, featuring participants from regions including Cameroon, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Spain, Sudan, and Tunisia, which marks an exciting first for the program.

A Global Initiative


The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is renowned for its commitment to global leadership and innovation. Each year, scholars pursue graduate degrees across 46 different disciplines within the seven schools at Stanford, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering a vibrant academic community. The program not only provides financial assistance for up to three years but also equips scholars with leadership skills through the King Global Leadership Program.

Commitment to Leadership and Change


John L. Hennessy, president emeritus of Stanford and director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, emphasized the urgent global need for bold leadership. He stated, "Our world has never been in greater need of leaders to address a wide range of challenges." This sentiment echoes throughout the cohort as scholars are chosen based on their independent thinking, leadership capabilities, and civic attitudes. The program aims to cultivate leaders who will address pressing global issues and shape a brighter future.

Diverse Backgrounds


Within this cohort, a notable 48% of scholars hold non-U.S. passports, showcasing the program's international reach. Furthermore, among U.S.-based scholars, 53% identify as people of color, and 11% have a military background. The group has achieved impressive educational credentials, earning undergraduate degrees from 58 different institutions worldwide, including 20 international universities and 20 first-time represented schools.

Eighteen percent of these scholars are the first in their families to graduate from college, underscoring the program's role in fostering educational access and equity.

Building a Supportive Community


As highlighted by Tina Seelig, executive director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, the program thrives on the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives its scholars bring. She expressed, "It's inspiring to see the scholars build connections across disciplines, cultures, and ways of thinking, strengthening their capacity to tackle the urgent challenges of our time."

Looking Ahead


The application process for the 2026 cohort opens on June 1, 2025, with a deadline of October 8, 2025. Potential applicants are encouraged to participate in upcoming information sessions to learn more about the community, its leadership development program, and the admissions process. Notably, the program operates without quotas or restrictions based on region, field of study, or career aspirations, making it an inclusive pathway for aspiring leaders.

Launched in 2016 and named in honor of Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, and John Hennessy, Stanford’s president emeritus, Knight-Hennessy Scholars represents the world's largest fully endowed graduate fellowship. With a total of 597 scholars enrolled since its inception, the program continues to make a profound impact on both its participants and the wider global community. For more information, visit kh.stanford.edu.

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