A Kansas University graduate is among the finalists competing for 32 Rhodes scholarships.

Robert M. Chamberlain, who graduated from KU in May with a degree in political science, is now a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Sill, Okla.

While at KU, Chamberlain was a 2001 Truman Scholar, a National Merit Scholar and an Army ROTC battalion commander. Lt. Col. Brian DeToy, commander of the ROTC program, wasn’t surprised at Chamberlain’s advance in the scholarship competition.

“He’s extremely talented and one of the brightest and finest young men I’ve ever known,” DeToy said.

Chamberlain plans a public service career in international law in a position that will enable him to influence and create international agreements and legal policy.

“He will do very well,” DeToy said.

Chamberlain is the son of Michael Chamberlain and Judy Carlson, Topeka. He is married to Kristen L. Chamberlain, a KU junior in business from Topeka.

Chamberlain graduated from KU with distinction and university honors, as well as departmental honors in political science.

He competed Tuesday and Wednesday in the state level of the scholarship process in Lawrence. He and other finalists will compete today and Saturday in St. Paul, Minn. The scholarships provide more than $50,000 for two years of graduate study at Oxford University.

The second finalist from Kansas is Ben Champion, Olathe, a Kansas State University senior.

Four scholars will be selected for each of the eight regions in the United States.

Rhodes officials will announce the winners Saturday.

Other KU students and one Baker University student competed in the semifinal competitions this week but were not selected for the finals.

From KU were Derek Todd Teeter, Oakley senior, and Anne B. Wallen, Lindsborg senior. A fourth KU student, Daniel L. Cabacungan, a senior from Lincoln, Neb., competed in the Nebraska semifinals.

The semifinalist from Baker was Julia Harrison, a senior from San Angelo, Tex.