Johnathan Burch

Rhodes ‘27 | @possefoundation | Student Government President | Douglass-O’Connell Ireland Alum

[Rhodes College @RhodesCollege]

Big news for Rhodes 👏

Rhodes College junior Johnathan Burch has been named a 2026 Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation Truman Scholar—one of just 55 students nationwide recognized for exceptional leadership, public service, and academic achievement.

A political science and health equity double major, Burch has made his mark across campus and beyond—as Student Government President, a national mock trial competitor, Rhodes Diplomat, and incoming Student Trustee. His commitment to service extends into the Memphis community through his work with Church Health, as well as internationally through the Irish Innocence Project in Dublin.

The Truman Scholarship supports graduate study for students pursuing careers in public service—and Johnathan is just getting started.

We can’t wait to see what’s next.
Learn more here: https://t.co/tBdHE46dVr

#RhodesCollege #TrumanScholar #PublicService #Leadership #RhodesToTheWorld

[Rhodes College @RhodesCollege]

Big news for Rhodes Mock Trial! 🎉⚖️

We’re headed to the 2026 National Championship in Washington, D.C.—marking our 38th appearance in 40 years!

This weekend, Rhodes B earned a bid with standout wins over Georgia B, SMU A, and Oklahoma, plus a hard-fought split with UT-Chatt. Their performance sealed our spot on the national stage!

Rhodes A battled a tough lineup, including close rounds with Vanderbilt and Georgia State, and strong wins over Baylor A & B—finishing just shy of a second bid.

We’re incredibly proud of both teams and excited to bring a combined Rhodes squad to Nationals!

👏 Shoutout to our individual award winners:

Zoë Haug – Outstanding Attorney

Hadley Wright & Elijah Palmer – Outstanding Witnesses

Join us in congratulating these incredible students and wishing them luck in D.C. in April! 🏛️

[Rhodes College @RhodesCollege]

Huge success for the Rhodes College Mock Trial Program at regionals! Five teams competed across three states, Rhodes earned the program’s maximum advancement of two teams to the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS), and secured three bids out of just 192 nationwide.

Six students were recognized as All-Region performers, an honor awarded to fewer than 600 of roughly 7,000 competitors nationwide: Zoe Haug, Amelia Rursch, Hadley Wright, Kahlila Bandele, Ariana Johnson, and Sienna Collier.

Next up: Rhodes will host one of eight ORCS tournaments in Memphis, with the top teams advancing to the National Championship in Washington, D.C.

#MockTrial #RhodesCollege #PreLaw #LawSchool #AMTA #MockTrialCompetition #FutureLawyers

[Rhodes College @RhodesCollege]

Two Rhodes juniors are earning national recognition! 👏

Johnathan Burch ’27 (political science, Charlotte, NC) and Mitchell Leander ’27 (urban studies, Nashville, TN) have been named finalists for the prestigious Truman Scholarship and will interview this March. Winners will be announced in April.

Established as a federal memorial to President Harry S. Truman, the Truman Scholarship supports students committed to leadership, public service, and academic excellence.

From student government and mock trial to community justice work across Memphis, both Burch and Leander exemplify Rhodes’ commitment to service and leadership.

Learn more here: https://t.co/vHGFkWoGVy

#TrumanScholarship #RhodesCollege #APlaceLikeNoOther

[Rhodes College @RhodesCollege]

🎓 From First-Year Senator to Student Body President

Before even applying to college, Johnathan Burch ’27 knew he wanted to study politics and medical law. Through the Posse Foundation, he found Rhodes—and a community where his leadership could flourish.

Inspired by student leaders from day one, Burch quickly joined Rhodes Student Government and earned the Jacob Abraham Award. Now, as RSG President, he’s focused on making Rhodes “a welcoming space for all students,” ensuring that all voices are heard—especially as the College celebrates 100 years in Memphis.

From interning with Church Health in Memphis to working with the Irish Innocence Project through the Frederick Douglass–Daniel O’Connell Global Internship in Dublin, Burch has turned his vision for leadership and equity into action. 🌍

✨ “Your story is writing itself,” he says. “And in the end, it will be one worth telling.”

🔗 Read the full story here: https://t.co/14LlX2QVpL

#RhodesCollege #RhodesStudents #StudentLeadership #StudyAbroad #PosseScholars #Rhodes100 #RhodesCommunity #Memphis

[Rhodes College @RhodesCollege]

2027 graduate, Johnathan Burch has been selected for the prestigious Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship in Ireland! Learn more here: https://t.co/RgqB86He4e

#RhodesCollege #APlaceLikeNoOther #Internship #GlobalInternship

[WBTV News @WBTV_News]

Johnathan Burch has overcome personal tragedy to achieve and accomplish his goals. https://t.co/r4qoN03Y9Y

[Butler Bulldogs @butlerbulldawgs]

Congratulations to Johnathan Burch The Teens for Courage Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Student Scholarship recipient.