Doriane Keiser, a senior at Montana State University, has been named a 2026 Rhodes Scholar and will pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. Keiser, who is an associate member of the Fort Peck tribes and plans to return to her home reservation to focus on mental health, is one of 32 Americans selected for the scholarship this year. She is the first MSU student since 2017 to receive this honor.
Montana State University President Brock Tessman commented on Keiser’s achievement: “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Doriane has been recognized for her hard work and achievements in this place where exceptional talent is nurtured and elevated by exceptional people in order to produce exceptional outcomes.”
Keiser majors in psychology and community health with minors in sociology and human development. Her decision to become a clinical psychologist was influenced by personal experience; she lost her younger sister to suicide in 2020 after a long struggle with mental health issues. Through her studies, Keiser recognized that gaps in services for addiction, health care, nutrition, and education often originate from policy shortcomings.
Encouraged by Steven Davis, assistant dean of MSU’s Honors College and a former Rhodes finalist, Keiser explored Oxford’s graduate programs. She found interest in evidence-based social intervention and comparative social policy degrees. “In the U.S., we really focus on our policies, but through this program I could look at policies that exist in other countries to open my mind to what is out there, what are the possibilities,” she said. “If they are succeeding, how could we tailor it to the U.S.? There’s so much knowledge out there.”
Davis described Keiser as having a strong sense of mission for rural and tribal communities: “Doriane’s story – her vision, her mission, her North Star – her personal calling and professional vocation is so important for the future of our rural and tribal communities,” he said. “She embodies the best virtues we have to offer as Indigenous people and exemplifies the very best of what we have to offer at Montana State University.”
Nicholas Ross-Dick, assistant director of American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success at MSU, noted Keiser’s commitment as a peer tutor: “She has a heart for the whole community,” he said. “The thing I most admire about Doriane is she is super driven and ambitious, but she’s also humble and grounded.”
During her time at MSU, Keiser has held leadership roles such as president of the campus American Indian Science and Engineering Society chapter. She led outreach projects teaching engineering skills to young students in Indigenous communities and worked with initiatives supporting food systems for Indigenous peoples. She also participated in research projects exploring cultural exchange impacts on Native students.
Keiser served as a student government senator representing the College of Letters and Science during her sophomore year where she worked on expanding mental health program funding.
Her academic record includes undergraduate research with three psychology professors and an internship with MSU Extension. In 2024, she received the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship recognizing leadership related to American Indian or Alaska Native issues.
Reflecting on her university experience, Keiser said: “MSU has given me so many opportunities that I didn’t know were available in one place,” adding “I didn’t even know what it meant to participate in research before going to college, but I have been able to do that here.”
To gain international experience before graduating next May, Keiser extended her undergraduate studies by one year; she is currently studying abroad in Thailand.
After returning from Thailand following Rhodes interviews in Seattle last week, Keiser acknowledged MSU’s support throughout her journey: “It helped me realize that no matter where you come from, you can do so much and you can grow,” she said.
Keiser follows previous MSU Rhodes Scholars including Josh Carter (2017), Joe Thiel (2013), Katy Hansen (2011), Brian Johnsrud (2006), Chelsea Elander (2000), Jennifer DeVoe (1995), Maurice Burke (1974), among others. The university has produced 12 Rhodes Scholars since its founding.
