WFU Senior Eli Leadham named Schwarzman Scholar
Wake Forest senior Eli Leadham has been named to the 2026-27 class of Schwarzman Scholars, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships.
Leadham is one of 150 scholars, representing 40 countries and 83 universities worldwide, who will begin a fully funded, one-year master’s degree program in global affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China.
Designed to build a global community, the Schwarzman Scholarship provides an immersive leadership development experience. Leadham was among nearly 400 finalists invited to interview before panels of CEOs, government officials, and university presidents looking for exceptional intellect, character and leadership potential.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Leadham was awarded a Truman Scholarship in 2025 and was a 2024 Cross Examination Debate Association National Champion Finalist. Leadham is also a Wake Forest Presidential Scholar in Debate.
“I am incredibly indebted to my time in collegiate debate,” Leadham said. “I will forever carry with me the lessons I’ve learned that instilled in me the value of listening to comprehend, not to persuade, and to talk to people rather than at them.”
Leadham credits Wake Forest’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Center (URECA) with playing an instrumental role in building confidence to take “the next big leap to China.” With a Richter Scholarship and Starr Travel Grants, Leadham conducted research abroad and presented his findings at international conferences.
“I felt not only welcomed but encouraged to pursue experiences abroad and emboldened to try something completely outside of my comfort zone,” said Leadham.
While pursuing postgraduate studies in Asia poses new challenges, studying abroad has taught me to find comfort in discomfort.”
Schwarzman Scholar Eli Leadham
The URECA Center fosters undergraduate research and faculty collaboration, while the Starr Foundation supports those students presenting research at professional and national conferences.
Read more about Eli Leadham on the Wake Forest College website.
The on-campus preparation and nomination process for the Schwarzman Scholarship and other external scholarships is coordinated through the Wake Forest University Scholars Office. Interested students are invited to visit the website to learn more and arrange an appointment, and rising juniors should signal their interest over the summer months or immediately upon returning to campus in the fall.
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