Emory University senior Asmita Lehther has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Bobby Jones Scholarship, enabling her to pursue graduate studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Asmita Lehther, a senior at Emory University, has been honored with the 2026 Robert T. Jones Jr. Scholarship, one of the highest accolades offered by the institution. The Indian American student, who is set to graduate this May, will embark on a fully funded year of graduate study at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Lehther, a Robert W. Woodruff Scholar, is completing a double major in human health and political science at the private university in Georgia. Her selection for the Bobby Jones Scholarship, named after the legendary golfer and Emory law alumnus, recognizes her academic excellence, exemplary character, and integrity, according to Joanne Brzinski, senior associate dean for Emory College.
For Lehther, the transition to Scotland represents a natural progression in her collegiate journey, which has been marked by a commitment to public health advocacy. During her first year at Emory’s Oxford College, she successfully secured $100,000 in grants to install health vending machines on campus, ensuring that students have 24/7 access to essential over-the-counter medications.
“I’ve always seen medicine, well-being, and the law as being very connected, especially when it comes to the social determinants of health,” Lehther stated.
An active leader within the South Asian community at Emory, Lehther has also been a passionate advocate for survivor support. As president of the Sexual Assault Peer Advocate (SAPA) group, she played a pivotal role in advocating for legislation that mandates student government members to undergo bystander intervention training. She plans to carry this advocacy focus with her to St Andrews, where she will pursue a master’s degree in public policy.
Lehther’s academic and extracurricular endeavors reflect a profound connection to her Indian heritage. Her honors thesis investigates how gender assumptions in policy discourse influence public support for survivors of sexual violence, while her previous research has explored immigration rhetoric and its impact on public perception.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Lehther has cultivated a strong professional background through internships with The Carter Center, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Health Strategy, and the U.S. Department of Health’s Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.
The Bobby Jones Scholarship, established in 1976, aims to foster a lasting exchange between Emory University and St Andrews. This year, Lehther is one of only four students selected from a highly competitive pool of 36 applicants.
“My hope is that I’ll be able to be not only a more full person, but also a more full advocate,” Lehther remarked regarding her upcoming year abroad. “I want to be someone who can speak to anyone and understand more about the world.”
After completing her year in Scotland, Lehther intends to pursue a career in global health policy, with a focus on health equity and international advocacy for sexual assault survivors, according to The American Bazaar.