Two Cadets Earn Rhodes Scholarships • United States Air Force Academy

Academic Excellence: Two Cadets Earn Rhodes Scholarships

Cadets 1st Class Robert J. Miller and Anirvin Puttur, recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, pose for {a photograph} previous to attending Ring Dance on the U.S. Air Force Academy, May 23, 2025. Miller and Puttur are the Academy’s forty fifth and forty sixth Rhodes Scholars. (Photo courtesy of Cadet 1st Class Robert J. Miller)

By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets earned one of many oldest and most prestigious educational honors in America by being named Rhodes Scholars.

Cadets 1st Class Robert J. Miller and Anirvin Puttur are amongst 32 Americans who will attend the absolutely funded postgraduate program within the United Kingdom on the University of Oxford starting in October 2026. The Rhodes Scholars program obtained functions from practically 2,800 college students representing 264 establishments.

“The selection of Cadet Miller and Cadet Puttur as Rhodes Scholars is a testament to the strength and quality of academics at the U.S. Air Force Academy and a reflection of the achievements of these two outstanding cadets,” mentioned Col. Steven C. Hasstedt, performing dean of the school. “They have demonstrated remarkable academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, exemplifying the highest standards of scholarship. We are proud of their selection and confident they will continue to represent our institution with distinction.”

‘Integrated military training, academics and athletics’

This is the second time within the final seven years the Academy has had a number of Rhodes Scholars in a single educational yr.

“This exceptional accomplishment by Cadet Miller and Cadet Puttur shows how the Academy’s integrated military training, academics and athletics prepare our cadets to compete for the nation’s most selective scholarships,” mentioned U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind. “Our faculty, staff and coaches deliver an exceptional developmental program that forges our next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders, and our cadets’ selection as Rhodes Scholars reflects their professionalism, hard work, and dedication.”

Miller from Areen, N.C. majors in Electrical and Computer Engineering and minors in Robotics. He serves because the Air Force Academy’s Cadet Wing Commander, the highest-ranking cadet place on the Academy and is a member of the Academy’s Wings of Blue parachuting group. Miller has additionally performed analysis on the MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon NeuroMechatronics Lab. He will pursue a Master of Science in Engineering Science at Oxford.

Puttur from Gilbert, Ariz., majors in Aeronautical Engineering and Applied Mathematics. He is each an teacher pilot and flight commander and competes nationally on the Academy’s Aerobatic Demonstration Team. Puttur additionally serves because the president of the Martinson Honors Program which affords interdisciplinary studying experiences for the Academy’s highest educational performers. He will pursue a Master of Science in Engineering Science at Oxford.

‘Exceptional leadership, character, and commitment to service’

“Throughout their respective journeys here, Cadet Miller and Cadet Puttur have each shown exceptional leadership, character, and commitment to service,” mentioned Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks, commandant of cadets. “They embody the values of both the Academy and the Department of the Air Force, and their experience as Rhodes Scholars will further prepare them to make meaningful contributions to our nation and its military in the years to come.”

Miller and Puttur are the Academy’s forty fifth and forty sixth Rhodes Scholars; the primary was retired Lt. Gen. Bradley Hosmer, Class of 1959 and the primary graduate to function superintendent of the Academy.

According to the Rhodes Trust web site, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest worldwide scholarship program enabling younger folks from all over the world to check on the University of Oxford since 1902. Currently, 3,706 Americans have obtained Rhodes Scholarships for the reason that first U.S. class in 1904, representing 329 schools and universities.