U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets earned one of the oldest and most prestigious academic honors in America by being named the Academy’s Rhodes Scholars.
Cadets First Class Robert J. Miller and Anirvin Puttur are among 32 Americans that will attend the fully funded postgraduate program in the United Kingdom at the University of Oxford beginning in October 2026. The Rhodes Scholars program received applications from nearly 2,800 students representing 264 institutions.
“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,” said 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.”
This is the first time since 2019 the Academy has had multiple Rhodes Scholars in a single academic year.
“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,” said Col. Steven C. M. Hasstedt, Acting Dean of the Faculty. “These young leaders demonstrated remarkable academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, exemplifying the highest standards of scholarship and critical thinking in applied problem solving. We are proud of their selection and confident they will continue to represent our institution with distinction.”
Miller from Arden, N.C., majors in Electrical & Computer Engineering and minors in Robotics. He serves as the Air Force Academy’s Cadet Wing Commander, the highest-ranking cadet position at the Academy and is a member of the Academy’s Wings of Blue parachuting team. Miller has also conducted research at 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 both an instructor pilot and flight commander and competes nationally on the Academy’s Aerobatic Demonstration Team. Puttur also serves as the president of the Martinson Honors Program, which offers interdisciplinary learning experiences for the Academy’s highest academic performers. He will pursue a Master of Science in Engineering Science at Oxford.
“Throughout their respective journeys here, Cadet Miller and Cadet Puttur have each shown exceptional leadership, character, and commitment to service,” said 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.”
The cadets are the 45th and 46th Rhodes Scholars from the U.S. Air Force Academy; the first was retired Lt. Gen. Bradley Hosmer, Class of 1959 and the first USAFA graduate to serve as superintendent of the Academy.
According to the Rhodes Trust website, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international scholarship program, enabling young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford since 1902. Currently, 3,706 Americans have received Rhodes Scholarships since the first U.S. class in 1904, representing 329 colleges and universities.
Official photo:
Cadet First Class Robert J. Miller
Cadet First Class Anirvin Puttur
Cadets Miller and Puttur Spring 2025