University of Alabama student Kate Herndon was in her home state of Massachusetts when she heard the news. She was named one of thirty-two Rhodes Scholars for 2025 and will go on to Oxford, England, in the fall to study for two years.
“I was in shock at first,” Herndon said. “We were standing in a conference room when the selection committee announced the two winners—one being myself and the other being someone from Vermont. But what’s funny is that when they said my name, it was mispronounced so I didn’t know immediately. When it finally clicked, it was a rush of emotions.”

Herndon joined the Alabama Heritage team in 2021, serving as a customer service assistant. Her time at Alabama Heritage has provided her the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, which she believes will lend itself to her success in Oxford.
“Working at Alabama Heritage gave me a place in college, it gave me a framework for growth,” Herndon said. “I’ve made lasting friendships. Working in an all-female office has also shown me valuable leadership skills I will take with me.”
Born and raised in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Herndon always knew she wanted to make change on a higher level. As one of four children, she was eager to find her place in the world. When she enrolled at the University of Alabama, she found an affinity to criminal justice and policy.
Herndon graduates in May 2025 with Bachelor of Science degrees in criminal justice and history. She departs for Oxford in October to study for a Master of Science in criminology and criminal justice, with the plan to work as a legal advisor at the United Nations.
“I want to create ways of mitigating interpersonal violence on a broad scale. I really care about working to improve outcomes for survivors of domestic violence by reshaping policies and services,” she said.
Top photo: From left, student employees Izzy Piper, Camryn Haag, and Kate Herndon, pose with Marketing Manager Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie.