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Florida State University’s almost magical streak with Rhodes Scholar finalists was interrupted Saturday when graduate student Erin Simmons learned she was not selected for the illustrious scholarship. Simmons and 11 other finalists in the three-state Southeast Region (Florida, Alabama and Tennessee) were interviewed Saturday by a six-person committee in Birmingham, Ala.

The two students selected for the scholarship — and a two-year study at Oxford University in England — were from Auburn University and West Point. Thirty-two students nationwide are named Rhodes Scholars each year. Simmons was attempting to become FSU’s fourth Rhodes Scholar in the past five years, following in the impressive footsteps of Garrett Johnson (2006), Joe O’Shea (2008) and Myron Rolle (2009).

“I feel bad that I can’t have brought that home, but I feel like I did my best,” Simmons said. “I thought I did well, but apparently not good enough.” A native of Argyle, Texas, Simmons earned a bachelor of science degree in just over two years and has been working toward a master’s in the biology department’s marine certificate program. She’s also been on FSU’s track team the past three years.

Simmons is still in the running for a Fulbright Scholarship. Fulbright winners aren’t announced until late winter. “The entire Florida State community joins me in congratulating Erin Simmons for reaching the finals of the Rhodes competition, and for her outstanding record of academic achievement, service to children, inspiration to young scientists, and commitment to help sustain our planet’s fragile natural resources,” FSU President T.K. Wetherell said. “We’re honored that this promising student, sure to make her mark on the world, chose FSU as her undergraduate and graduate home.”

Craig Filar, director of FSU’s Office of National Fellowships, traveled to Alabama with Simmons and waited with her following the interview. The Rhodes panel deliberated for about three hours before announcing its two choices, he said.

“Erin’s disappointed, I’m sure, but she feels she could not have done any better herself,” Filar said. “I personally could not be prouder of her making it this far. I think it’s an outstanding accomplishment. “She has a really bright future. We’re very excited to see what she’s going to be able to accomplish.”