The Rhodes Trust announces that Dr Elizabeth Kiss will become the new Warden and CEO, starting in August 2018. Dr Kiss will be the first female Warden of the Rhodes Trust.

The Rhodes Trust – the preeminent international scholarship programme established at the University of Oxford in 1903 – selects creative young leaders with a commitment to serving others and standing up for the world. In the century since the establishment of the Rhodes Scholarships, the Trust has convened a community of extraordinary people who share a history of enriching their communities, pioneering in their chosen fields, and applying the knowledge and experience acquired as Scholars to the betterment of society. Currently 96 Scholars are selected from 64 countries around the world each year, with further expansion on the horizon.

In her new role Dr Kiss will have overall responsibility for selecting and developing exceptional students who are impatient for change in the world and who have the courage to act. The Warden also oversees the Rhodes global network and ensures that Rhodes House is a place where individual achievement becomes a lifelong fellowship for those committed to addressing the world’s most pressing issues. By holding topic convenings in Oxford and around the world, the Rhodes Trust creates hubs for exchange of ideas, bringing together people of different backgrounds and viewpoints to develop solutions for global challenges.

Elizabeth Kiss said on her appointment: “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to be given this opportunity to join the Rhodes Trust  at such an exciting time in its history. Now more than ever, we need knowledgeable and courageous leaders from all walks of life who stand up for the world. Thanks to its bold vision and dynamism, the Rhodes Trust is uniquely positioned to serve this need.  I look forward to building on the remarkable accomplishments of our current Warden, Charles Conn, and working to continue to expand the number and geographic reach of the Rhodes Scholarships, deepen the lifelong connections among Rhodes Scholars past and present, and enhance our impact through global partnerships including those with The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the Atlantic Institute, and the Schmidt Science Fellows. It will be a joy to return to Oxford and I look forward to getting to know the current Rhodes Scholars, the University community, and Senior Scholars all across the globe.”

Charles Conn, who has served as Warden and CEO of the Rhodes Trust since 2013 commented:  “I am extremely pleased that Elizabeth Kiss will be the next Warden of the Rhodes Trust.  I have known Elizabeth for more than thirty years and have always thought very highly of her abilities and accomplishments, including the wonderful leadership programme she introduced at Agnes Scott College.  I am confident that she will build on the recent strategic transformation of the Trust, as well as adding her own creative ideas and inspirational leadership to this role.”

During his Wardenship, Mr Conn helped raise more than £250 million to secure the core Scholarships and expand the programme to new countries and new partner fellowships. He pioneered the development of a comprehensive Character, Service and Leadership programme for current Scholars, as well as initiating topic specific convenings for the international alumni community. He forged several important new partnerships, most notably to form the Atlantic Institute and the Schmidt Science Fellows.