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Knight-Hennessy Scholars Announce Class of 2025

On May 13, 2025, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University revealed its latest cohort of 84 scholars for the year 2025. This eighth class is noteworthy for its diverse representation, including students from 25 different nations, enrolled in 46 various graduate programs across all seven schools at Stanford.

This cohort stands out particularly because it includes scholars from countries such as Cameroon, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Spain, Sudan, and Tunisia—marking the first time these nations are represented in the Knight-Hennessy program.

About the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a multi-disciplinary initiative designed to cultivate leadership and innovation among its recipients. Scholars receive financial support for up to three years as they pursue their graduate studies at Stanford while simultaneously engaging in experiences that mold them into visionary and collaborative leaders equipped to tackle global challenges.

John L. Hennessy, the former president of Stanford University and the Shriram Family Director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars, emphasizes the university's commitment to developing future leaders. "Our world has never needed more leaders to address a myriad of challenges," he remarked. The program highlights the importance of independent thinking, targeted leadership, and civic-mindedness--qualities that are paramount in today’s complex global environment.

The program not only invests in educational opportunities but also in the personal development of its scholars. The core component of the Knight-Hennessy experience is the King Global Leadership Program, which offers a wide array of workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects. These resources are designed to supplement the scholars' academic pursuits and help them achieve their leadership ambitions.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Of the 2025 scholar cohort, 48% hold non-U.S. passports, showcasing the program's reach and commitment to international inclusivity. Furthermore, 53% of U.S. scholars identify as people of color, and 11% have served in the U.S. military. This vibrant mix of backgrounds contributes to a rich tapestry of experiences, with scholars coming from 58 distinct institutions, including several international universities.

Eighteen percent of this new cohort are the first in their families to pursue a higher education degree, underscoring the program's mission to provide opportunities to underrepresented groups. As the overall number of Knight-Hennessy Scholars rises to 597—starting from the inaugural cohort in 2018—the program continues to enrich its community with unique perspectives and experiences.

Tina Seelig, the executive director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, noted, "Our community is enriched by the diverse experiences that each new scholar brings. It is inspiring to see how scholars build connections across disciplines and cultures, enhancing their ability to face the world’s most pressing challenges."

Future Opportunities

Applications for the 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholars cohort will open on June 1, 2025, and will close on October 8, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to explore the program's community, leadership development curriculum, and application process. Notably, there are no quotas or restrictions on the candidates' regions, universities, academic fields, or career aspirations, making the program accessible to a wide variety of applicants.

Established in 2016, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is named after Phil Knight, an MBA alumnus of the class of 1962 and co-founder of Nike, Inc., and John Hennessy, who served as Stanford's president from 2000 to 2016 and is now the chairman of Alphabet Inc.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program stands as the world’s largest fully funded graduate scholarship program, reflecting Stanford’s commitment to fostering leadership and academic excellence on a global scale.

For more detailed information, you can visit kh.stanford.edu.