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RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) A South Dakotan has been name a Rhodes Scholar.

Ashley Nord of Rapid City is among 32 men and women across the United States to win the prestigious scholarships for study at England's Oxford University.

Nord currently attends the University of Minnesota.

The senior graduates in December with a bachelor of arts degree in global studies and a minor in Spanish studies and is a candidate for bachelor of science degrees in physics and astrophysics.

Nord will study at Oxford University for the next two or three years.

The 23-year-old plans to study biophysics and eventually get a doctorate.

While at the University of Minnesota she also excelled as a member of the pole-vault team.

Information from: Rapid City Journal, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-01-08 0531CST | save this article / add to your favorites list