Awards, Scholarships, and Grants

The Department of English at Iowa State University provides several monetary awards to students each year. These awards, some granted directly by the department and others made possible through the generous donations of former students and faculty members, are intended to reward academic excellence and to provide financial assistance to students to enable them to continue or complete their educations.

Each spring, applications are available for the various competitions. Committees of faculty serve as judges. These committees reserve the right not to make awards during years when either an insufficient number of applications is received or none of the entries is deemed exemplary.

Undergraduate awards and scholarships

For any of these undergraduate awards and scholarships, visit https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/ to fill out the OneApp. Once you have submitted the General portion of the application, look for these recommended opportunities to apply. You can also download a printable awards grid for reference. For questions, contact lasscholarships@iastate.edu.

Critical Literary Analysis Writing Award

The Critical LITERARY ANALYSIS Writing Award is given annually to undergraduate (any major) and graduate students with demonstrated ability in critical, analytical writing ABOUT LITERARY TEXT/S. Applicants must submit a single piece of critical, analytical writing originally written for a LITERATURE course in the English Department at Iowa State University (including course papers submitted during the current academic year). The amount of the two awards varies, up to $200 each.

Undergraduate essays will be judged separately from graduate essays. Criteria for evaluation include originality of thesis, command of material, and quality of exposition.

Submissions must be typed, double-spaced, and between 6 and 25 pages in length.

Cross-Disciplinary Linguistics Scholarship

The Cross-disciplinary Linguistics Scholarship is given annually to an undergraduate linguistics major with demonstrated skill and enthusiasm for linguistic theory and practice. This $250 award will go to a student whose academic career shows promise in leading to a future directly related to theoretical or applied linguistics. NOTE: Applicants must have at least 1 year left before graduating with their BA in linguistics.

To apply, provide a 2–3 page essay describing your interests in and goals for your study of linguistics, including any specific experience that is related to your study of linguistics. The selection of a recipient for the award will be made by a committee of faculty members from the Cross-Disciplinary Linguistics Program whose selection will be based on the submitted essay.

Herta David Scholarships in English

Two Herta David Scholarships in English ($2,000 each) are given annually to Iowa State undergraduates (sophomores, juniors, or seniors) majoring in English. Applicants must be from challenging family backgrounds and have financial need. Previous recipients of the Herta David Scholarships in English are eligible to apply for the award in subsequent years as long as they meet the stated requirements and are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees.

To apply, provide a brief essay of up to 500 words explaining your unique challenging family situation and financial need and how this scholarship will benefit you.

Aubrey E. Galyon Scholarship

The Aubrey Galyon Scholarship is given annually to an ISU student completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the year of application and commencing work at an accredited institution toward a PhD in literature, linguistics, or rhetoric. This award ($400) will go to a student whose academic record demonstrates the excellence necessary for doctoral study; strong preference will be given to students showing potential for original theoretical work in their chosen fields. When other factors seem equal, the financial need of applicants will be considered.

To apply, provide an essay (300–500 words) explaining why you intend to pursue doctoral studies in literature, linguistics, or rhetoric. If applicable, also include a brief statement (150–200 words) of financial need. The recipient of the award will be chosen by a committee of faculty members representing the linguistics program and the departments of English and WLC (World Languages & Cultures).

Freda Huncke Endowment Awards

The Freda Huncke Endowment Awards of $1,000 each are given annually to five students (freshmen, sophomores, or juniors) majoring in English who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and expository writing ability. Applicants must be full-time students. Preference will be given to students planning to teach. Former winners may reapply.

Quentin G. Johnson Award

The Quentin G. Johnson Award is given annually in honor of Professor Johnson’s commitment to the teaching of linguistics. The award is made to a student (undergraduate or graduate) who has a strong academic record and who shows promise in the study of linguistics.

To apply, provide all three of the following: (1) an expository essay written for an ISU linguistics course, (2) a separate essay explaining your interest in linguistics and the role your linguistics work is likely to play in your career, and (3) a brief (150–200 word) statement of financial need. The selection of a recipient will be made by a committee of linguistics faculty members from the Department of English and will be based on the clarity and effectiveness of the submitted essay, as well as the evidence of aptitude in and commitment to the study of linguistics. In addition, some preference may be given to applicants with a demonstrated financial need.

Will C. Jumper Scholarship

The Will C. Jumper Scholarship is given annually to an Iowa State undergraduate of any major who demonstrates excellence in poetry writing. Submit a poetry portfolio of up to 10 pages for the committee’s consideration. The award is made solely on the basis of the excellence of the work submitted.

James and Rachel Lowrie Family Awards

The James and Rachel Lowrie Family Awards are given in recognition of a junior or senior (any major) whose oral and written performance in English courses at Iowa State University demonstrates outstanding growth, perception, and capability in the study of literature.

CANDIDATES WILL BE NOMINATED BY A FACULTY MEMBER and selected by a committee of staff and students. Interested applicants must ask faculty members to nominate them, or faculty members may inform students of their willingness to serve as nominators. Faculty members should email their nominations (either as attachments or directly within the body of the email) to Christiana Langenberg (clang@iastate.edu), Advising Coordinator . These letters should specifically address the student’s “outstanding growth, perception, and capability in the study of literature.”

Kurt Moody Creative Writing Award

The Kurt Moody Creative Writing Award of $500 is given annually to an Iowa State undergraduate student who demonstrates excellence in creative writing. Students from any area of the university are eligible to submit a portfolio of writing (should not exceed 25 pages) for the committee’s consideration. The work submitted is restricted to any one of the following genres or may include any combination of them: fiction writing, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, or playwriting. The award is made solely on the basis of the excellence of the work submitted, and no special consideration is given to those students who submit material in more than one genre.

Albert L. Walker Excellence-In-English Awards

The Albert L. Walker Excellence in English Award is given annually to undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated ability in the study of literature. In honor of Professor Walker, former chair of the Department of English, three awards of $300 each will be awarded, one to an undergraduate English major, one to an undergraduate majoring in a subject other than English, and one to a graduate student (any major) who has taken at least one graduate course in literature at ISU.

To apply, provide an essay of no more than 500 words explaining the way that a specific literary text of your choosing illustrates what you have found to be enriching or satisfying about your study of literature. The selection of a recipient will be made by the members of the Walker Award Committee and will be based upon the clarity and effectiveness of the submitted essay and upon academic achievement and performance in the study of literature.

Pearl Hogrefe First-Year Student Scholarship in Creative Writing

The English Department’s Pearl Hogrefe Creative Writing Fund awards the First-Year Scholarship in Creative Writing in the amount of $1,000 toward tuition for up to two Iowa State University students with first-year student status (0-30 credits) whose work exemplifies promise or talent in one of the genres of creative writing.

For consideration, students must submit up to 10 pages of creative writing (e.g., poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction essays, or excerpts of plays, screenplays, or novels). Mixed genre submissions are acceptable. The award is made solely on the basis of the excellence of the work submitted. A letter of recommendation (for example, from a former teacher) that attests to the student’s promise and talent in creative writing and a high school GPA of 3.0 or more are required.

Submissions (10-page writing sample, letter of recommendation, proof of high school or ISU GPA) should be typed, double-spaced, scanned as one set of documents (Word or PDF), and emailed to K. L. Cook (klcook@iastate.edu) or Charissa Menefee (cmenefee@iastate.edu), Creative Writing Area Coordinators. Submissions must be postmarked by July 31 to be considered. Because this scholarship is open to incoming freshmen, all students will be notified by the first week of classes in August.

Pearl Hogrefe Sophomore Scholarship in Creative Writing

The English Department’s Pearl Hogrefe Creative Writing Fund awards the Sophomore Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 toward tuition to up to two promising sophomores (between 32–59 overall credits applied to degree program) who exhibit original and imaginative use of form and language, show evidence of having promise in creative writing, and have a GPA in the major of at least 3.0. Submissions should include one or two short stories or a collection of poems, screenplay or play excerpt, or nonfiction essay—any/all totaling not more than 5,000 words. Candidates will also include the name of one Creative Writing faculty member who has agreed to serve as a reference. Materials will be submitted as a portfolio during the English Department spring awards and scholarship submission process. Name must be left OFF of portfolio itself.

Pearl Hogrefe Junior Scholarship in Creative Writing

The English Department’s Pearl Hogrefe Creative Writing Fund awards the Junior Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 toward tuition to up to two juniors (60-89 credits applied to degree program) who have taken at least one, preferably two creative writing classes and combine unique ideas and fresh choices in language with bold reaches into original and imaginative use of form and language; show evidence of having produced a significant body of creative writing; and have a GPA in the major of at least 3.0. Submissions should include one or two short stories or a collection of poems, screenplay or play excerpt, or nonfiction essay—any/all totaling not more than 6,000 words. Candidates will also include the name of one Creative Writing faculty member who has agreed to serve as a reference. Materials will be submitted as a portfolio during the English Department spring awards and scholarship submission process. Name must be left OFF of portfolio itself.

Pearl Hogrefe Senior Scholarship in Creative Writing

The English Department’s Pearl Hogrefe Creative Writing Fund awards the Senior Scholarship in Creative Writing to up to two seniors (90+ credits applied to degree program) with outstanding originality and potential whose work exhibits an unusual perspective and unique voice not necessarily measured by conventional standards and with a GPA in the major of at least 3.0. Submission should include any of the following: short stories, a collection of poems, screenplay or play excerpt, or nonfiction essay—any/all totaling not more than 7,000 words. Candidates will also include the name of one Creative Writing faculty member who has agreed to serve as a reference. Materials will be submitted as a portfolio during the English Department spring awards and scholarship submission process. Name must be left OFF of portfolio itself.

Pamela Henry Lassahn Scholarship in Technical Communication

The Pamela Henry Lassahn Scholarship in Technical Writing is available to students of junior or senior class standing majoring in Technical Communication in the Department of English. Recipients shall have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have demonstrated financial need, have a minor or a designated area of concentration in a technical or scientific field, and provide a written recommendation from a faculty member.

To apply, 1) specify if your minor or designated area of concentration is a technical or scientific field, and 2) provide the name and email address of a faculty member who can write a reference regarding your ability and commitment to study in your chosen area of study.

Graduate student awards, fellowships, grants, and scholarships

To be considered for any of this funding at the graduate level, please review the information below. A helpful downloadable grid summary is available below as well. For questions, contact the Graduate Program Office (englgrad@iastate.edu).

English Department Graduate Spring Awards

Paul L. and Carolyn Errington Award

The Paul L. and Carolyn Errington Award is presented annually to a graduate student in English who demonstrates excellence in environmental literary criticism. This award honors Paul L. and Carolyn Errington for the many contributions they made to the advancement of the environmental humanities. The amount of this award is $300.

To apply, applicants will be asked to upload an expository essay originally written for an ISU graduate English course. The essay should be a work of—or on a subject directly related to—environmental literary criticism. Submissions must be typewritten, double-spaced, and no longer than 30 pages (a recommended length of 12–20 pages).

The selection of recipients will be made by a committee of faculty members from the Department of English and will be based upon the clarity and effectiveness of the submitted essay.

Spring 2024 applications deadline: April 1, 2024

Applications should be submitted via this online form.

Aubrey E. Galyon Scholarship

To apply, applicants will be asked to submit an essay (300–500 words) explaining why you intend to pursue doctoral studies in literature, linguistics, or rhetoric. If applicable, you will also be asked to provide a brief statement (150–200 words) of financial need.

Recipients of the scholarship will be chosen by a committee of faculty members representing the linguistics program and the departments of English and WLC (World Languages & Cultures).

Spring 2024 applications deadline: April 1, 2024

Applications should be submitted via this online form.

Pearl Hogrefe Grants in Creative Writing

One or more Pearl Hogrefe Grants in Creative Writing of $1,000 will be awarded during the spring semester to graduate students who show extraordinary promise in creative writing. These awards are open to all graduate students at Iowa State and will be given on the basis of a qualitative evaluation of competitive entries. Current Hogrefe Fellows are not eligible to apply.

In addition, one or more Pearl Hogrefe Grant Recognition Awards of $500 will also be given.

Applicants will be asked to submit original fiction, poetry, drama, and imaginative nonfiction for the award competition. Several recent pieces showing range, development, and promise usually make a stronger submission by an applicant than does a single outstanding piece. All entries should be typewritten, double spaced, and should not exceed twenty-five pages. Applicants should not put their name on the submitted work.

Judges for the competition will be the members of the Pearl Hogrefe Fund Advisory Committee and the Coordinator of the Creative Writing Program.

Spring 2024 applications deadline: April 1, 2024

Applications should be submitted via this online form.

Quentin G. Johnson Award

To apply, applicants will be asked to submit all of the following: a brief (150–200 word) statement of financial need submitted directly into the online application form; one double-spaced, typewritten document containing (1) an expository essay written for an ISU linguistics course, and (2) an essay explaining their interest in linguistics and the role their linguistics work is likely to play in their career.

The selection of recipients will be made by a committee of linguistics faculty members from the Department of English and will be based on the clarity and effectiveness of the submitted essay as well as the evidence of aptitude in and commitment to the study of linguistics. In addition, some preference may be given to applicants with a demonstrated financial need.

Spring 2024 applications deadline: April 1, 2024

Applications should be submitted via this online form.

W. Paul Jones Scholarship

The W. Paul Jones Scholarship is given to a doctoral student in the Rhetoric and Professional Communication Program in recognition of scholarly excellence. The award honors Professor Jones’ dedication to the teaching of writing and to the use of clear and precise language in imparting technical and scientific information.

Applicants will be asked to submit a scholarly paper written after admission to the ISU PhD Program in Rhetoric and Professional Communication. This work may be a seminar paper written for an ISU graduate course, a conference paper, or a paper prepared for publication, as long as its subject is rhetoric or professional communication. The applicant must have been a full-time ISU graduate student for at least one semester during the current academic year and must not have completed the preliminary doctoral examination at the time of application.

Scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee of graduate faculty members from the Department of English, and the decision will be based solely upon the scholarly merit of the submitted work.

Spring 2024 applications deadline: April 1, 2024

Applications should be submitted via this online form.

Albert L. Walker Award

The Albert L. Walker Excellence in English Award is given annually to undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated ability in the study of literature. In honor of Professor Walker, former chair of the Department of English, three awards of $300 each will be awarded: One to an undergraduate English major, one to an undergraduate majoring in a subject other than English, and one to a graduate student (any major) who has taken at least one graduate course in literature at ISU.

To apply, applicants will be asked to provide an essay of no more than 500 words, explaining the way that a text of your choosing illustrates what you have found to be interesting or satisfying about your study of literature.

Selection of a recipients will be made by the members of the Walker Award Committee and will be based upon the clarity and effectiveness of the submitted essay and upon academic achievement and performance in the study of literature.

Spring 2024 applications deadline: April 1, 2024

Applications should be submitted via this online form.

Richard R. Wright Award

The Richard Wright Award is given annually to a graduate student who demonstrates ability in expository writing. In honor of Professor Wright’s commitment to the teaching of writing, especially technical and scientific writing, this award will go to students whose academic career shows promise in business/technical communication or rhetoric/composition.

To apply, applicants will be asked to provide a brief (150–200 word) statement of financial need and to upload an expository essay written for an ISU graduate English course.

The selection of recipients will be made by a committee of faculty members from the Department of English and will be based upon the clarity and effectiveness of the submitted essay. In addition, some preference may be given to applicants with a demonstrated financial need.

Spring 2024 applications deadline: April 1, 2024

Applications should be submitted via this online form. .

English Graduate Program Awards, Fellowships and Grants

Outstanding Service by a Graduate Student Award

The Outstanding Service by a Graduate Student award recognizes the contributions of students who show a pattern of service throughout their degree programs at Iowa State University. The award is intended to recognize those students who volunteer consistently and engage in a range of service opportunities at the program, department, college, university, and/or professional level. Recipients are awarded $100 and an honor cord to be worn at the graduation ceremony. Students are nominated for these awards by their area faculty during the semester in which they graduate (summer graduates should be nominated in the prior spring semester).

Full award details: Call for Nominations Outstanding Service Award

For Fall graduates: November 1

For Spring/Summer graduates: April 1

Nominations should be submitted via the online Nomination Form – Outstanding Service by a Graduate Student

Graduate Student Leadership Award

The Graduate Student Leadership award recognizes graduate students who have taken on leadership roles in the program, department, college, university, and/or profession, and who have actively encouraged, advised, and mentored other students as they entered leadership roles. Recipients are awarded $100 and an honor cord to be worn at the graduation ceremony. Students are nominated for these awards by their area faculty during the semester in which they graduate (summer graduates should be nominated in the prior spring semester).

Full award details: Call for Nominations Leadership Award

For Fall graduates: November 1

For Spring/Summer graduates: April 1

Nominations should be submitted via the online Nomination Form – Graduate Student Leadership Award

Graduate Student Research Grant Program

The English Department Graduate Student Research Grant supports graduate student research by providing funding for research projects or creative activity which require substantial resources to carry out. The grant is a competitive funding opportunity requiring a well-developed grant proposal written for a cross-disciplinary audience. Funding may be used for costs associated with the research process (see CFP for restrictions and examples). The funding may be used for dissertation/thesis projects as well as other projects with the potential to lead to peer-reviewed publication or creative activity; however, dissertation/thesis projects will be prioritized. To be eligible, students must participate in a professional development activity related to grant writing (see opportunities listed in the CFP) to develop a research grant proposal. Grants up to $1,000 per project may be requested.

See the full Call for Proposals for details: Graduate Student Research Grant Call for proposals

Academic year proposal deadline: November 6

Proposals should be submitted via the online submission form.

Freda Huncke Endowment Graduate Teaching Fellowship

The Freda Huncke Endowment Graduate Teaching Fellowships were established to enable excellent new students to develop teaching expertise and get a solid start on academics when beginning one of our graduate programs in the English Department. Preference is given to new students whose teaching experience is judged excellent by supervisors or faculty recommenders or whose potential for excellence in teaching is evident in their application files. Recipients are chosen by the Graduate Admissions Committee of the ISU English department in cooperation with the graduate faculty in our graduate programs.

These fellowships provide selected students with an award equivalent to teaching the equivalent of one course reducing their teaching load during their first year in the program. Recipients receive the same benefits as other graduate assistants, including tuition scholarships and the same stipend level as other teaching assistants teaching a full load. The fellowship, teaching, and graduate coursework at Iowa State University should constitute the student’s full-time occupation during the fellowship semester.

Pearl Hogrefe Fellowship in Creative Writing

Pearl Hogrefe Fellowship in Creative Writing offers a talented writer one academic year to study creative writing full time at Iowa State University and focus on his/her creative work without distraction.

Research and Teaching Awards

Research and Teaching Excellence Award (REA/TEA) Nominations

The Graduate College awards are offered each semester according to the information below to recognize students. Research Excellence Awards are to recognize outstanding research or creativity as seen in their theses and dissertations and who are academically superior and able to not only do research, but develop a well-written product. Teaching Excellence Awards are meant to recognize and encourage outstanding achievement by graduate students in teaching.

All nomination and student documents are due by 11:59 p.m. on the announced deadlines below and must be submitted electronically via links provided in the Call for Nominations.

REA TEA Call for Nominations 2024-25

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Semester	Research Excellence	Teaching Excellence
Fall	October 21	October 21
Spring	March 15	March 15
Summer	June 1	Nominations not accepted

Professional Travel Support

Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) Professional Advancement Grants (PAG) Program

Professional Advancement Grants (PAG) are provided to graduate and professional students by the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) to help defray expenses related to professional meeting and conference travel. Please see the full award description, deadline, and application process on the Graduate College Website.

Professional Advancement Grant (PAG) Application

NOTE: Professional travel funding may also be available from the English Department.

The Department of English may contribute funding—on a competitive basis and subject to fund availability—for students in English Department graduate majors who are presenting at conferences (for example, serving on a panel, presenting a paper, or conducting a workshop). You may use travel funds for reimbursement of meeting registration fees at conferences, room and board, or other travel expenses. The maximum amount of professional travel funding from the department per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) will be determined for each degree level at the beginning of each academic year. To apply for Departmental funding, find more information in the Graduate POS Manual Section 1.9.2.

Tuition scholarships for graduate assistants

For tuition purposes, all graduate assistants are assessed tuition equal to resident tuition rates (ISU Tuition and Fees). English department graduate students holding 1/2 (or greater) assistantship appointments receive tuition scholarships at the level determined by the Graduate College (AY 2024-25 is 75% MA, 100% MFA, and 100% PhD) during the academic year; the same percentage levels are applied in summer according to the number of enrolled credits). Students on at least 1/4-time (but less than 1/2-time) assistantship appointments receive half of the standard tuition scholarship benefit (37.5% MA, 50% MFA, and 50% PhD).

Additional Graduate College Awards: https://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/academics/awards/