Robert Smale, a UNLV senior pursuing a double major in Spanish and history, was a regional finalist in the Rhodes Scholarship competition.

Smale was one of 13 finalists to be considered for a Rhodes Scholarship at the regional finals Saturday in Southern California. He was not selected.

"Making the final round at the regional level is no small feat," said Len Zane, director of UNLV's Honors Program. "Bob is an outstanding scholar, a good athlete, and a fine person."

Smale, 22, came to UNLV as an Elaine Wynn Valedictorian Scholar. He also received a Golden Nugget scholarship, and a UNLV leadership scholarship.

A member of the UNLV Honors Program, Smale was named the top UNLV student of the year for 1995 by the Board of Regents of the Community College and University System of Nevada. He also was selected as UNLV's top history student for 1995, top foreign languages student for 1994, and UNLV's outstanding male athlete for four consecutive years beginning in 1992.

Captain of the swim team for two years, Smale was a Big West student athlete for four years beginning in 1992 and a UNLV scholar athlete for the same period of time.

Smale has made the dean's list each semester and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi national honor society and Phi Sigma Iota honor society. He also is a student ambassador.

Smale, who plans on becoming a professor, will spend next semester studying in Bolivia. He previously spent a summer studying in Mexico.

At UNLV he is a member of SCOPE, a student environmental organization.

Smale, a Henderson resident, is the son of Linda Smale of Henderson, and the late Leland Smale. He is a graduate of Boulder City High School.