Kalispell student is UM Rhodes Scholar finalist

Kalispell native Teigan Avery is one of two University of Montana seniors recently interviewed for the world’s oldest and most prestigious academic recognition, the Rhodes Scholarship.

As Rhodes finalists, Avery and Arwen Baxter, of Pocatello, Idaho, joined an elite group of U.S. college students recognized for their scholarly achievements, commitment to the common good and potential for leadership.

“It is an honor for a public university to have one Rhodes finalist and very rare to have two,” said Kylla Benes, the director of external scholarships and fellowships at UM who advised Teigan and Arwen through the application process. “These two women were selected as finalists because they have spent their college careers highly engaged in their academic and personal interests and in their communities.

“Neither started college intending to be Rhodes finalists, but their dedication and achievements demonstrates the outstanding personalized education UM offers – an education that students can leverage for major awards like the Rhodes,” Benes said.

Avery doubled-majored in economics and political science at UM and is now working toward a master’s degree in economics. A native of Kalispell, she one day wants be a professor of economics at UM, calling it her “dream job.”

Originally interested in pursuing a legal degree or a profession in medicine, Avery found her true passion in applying economics through education and research to the betterment of others. Her decision to become a professor was solidified with two life changing events while in college: treatment for thyroid cancer and the suicide of her father, a high-school counselor and her career sounding board.

“This is a big part of my life and was something I included in my personal statement to the Rhodes committee,” Avery said of the challenges she has faced. “It really made me reevaluate and find ways to make my life more meaningful.”

Today, she is working as a research assistant for UM’s Center for Population Heath Research while finalizing her master’s thesis, which explores the impact of COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies on children’s overall health.

“I am looking to see if access to the vaccine means parents aren’t taking their children for regular wellness checkups,” she said.

Avery and Baxter, both members of UM’s Davidson Honors College, credited the large number of people who helped them prepare for the Rhodes finalist interviews, which included Office of External Scholarships & Fellowships employees, DHC staff, UM alumni, UM faculty and staff, community members and past recipients.

Both said the conversations with the Rhodes judges were insightful and inspirational.

Avery, a scratch golfer who served as UM’s golf team caption and was the 2017 Montana State Women’s Amateur Champion, said she brought her A game to the Rhodes interviews and was grateful for the opportunity to represent UM.

“I love this university,” she said. “I want to give back to UM because it has given so much to me.”