English Scholarships and Awards
In addition to the scholarships available University-wide, the English Department awards approximately $50,000 in scholarships and awards each year.
The scholarships listed below are those awarded by the English Department. Students should also search for other scholarships that may apply to them using the University's campus-wide scholarship system. Most, but not all, scholarships have a March 15 deadline. Overviews of each program are below; for full details, including GPA requirements, follow the link to each scholarship.
Scholarships open to newly admitted students as well as currently enrolled students
Mary Coon Cottingham Scholarship - The largest of the endowed scholarship programs in English, several awards are typically made from this fund each year. The donors have designated this scholarship for students with strong interest and ability in both literature and creative writing; two writing samples are required of applicants. Students are eligible to apply again.
Genelle Voigt Jackson English Scholarship - For English majors, new or continuing; minimum 3.0 high school GPA; preference to students from West Salem, IL, or communities close to West Salem. This scholarship is renewable, but recipients must re-apply each year.
Morris Family Endowment in English - For English majors, new or continuing; good academic standing; based on scholastic ability. This scholarship is not based on financial need; however, in the case of two equally qualified candidates, the student who demonstrates the greatest financial need shall receive the scholarship.
Scholarships open to currently enrolled students only
Any class
Lucina Paquet Gabbard English Scholarship - One award annually
For students enrolled in English for teacher certification (any class)
Howard DeForest Widger Scholarship - One award annually
For current EIU freshmen (second-semester students who will continue as sophomores)
Isabel McKinney Undergraduate Scholarship - Normally two awards to freshmen each year. Those who received the award after applying as freshmen must re-apply for renewal for their junior and senior years. Requires a writing sample.
For sophomores
Raymond L. and Carolyn Miller Fischer Scholarship - English major with specialization in English literature. One award every two years. Awarded by English in odd-numbered years (next award round in 2023).
For sophomores or juniors
English Alumni Scholarship - English major with strong character and potential for leadership. One award annually.
Betty Hawkins English Scholarship - English major with strong character and potential for leadership, strong writing skills (but no essay required). Two awards annually
Dr. Robert V. Wharton Scholarship - For nontraditional students (defined broadly) with keen appreciation of and facility for the study of literature
For juniors
Frances W. McColl Scholarship - English major in Teacher Education. One award every two years.
For juniors or seniors
Errett and Mazie Warner Presidential Award - Recognizes outstanding scholarship and character; three awards made each year.
Dr. Charles I. Switzer Memorial Scholarship - preference to English majors who intend to become certified to teach OR pursue graduate study in English. One award annually
Flora Saxby Hawkes Memorial Scholarship - For English majors; one award annually
For graduating seniors continuing in the EIU English graduate program
Isabel McKinney Graduate Scholarship - Requires a writing sample.
Writing Contests
A range of creative and critical writing contests for current students occur each spring; a complete list will be added to this page soon.
If you have questions about English-specific scholarships, please contact the scholarship committee chair, Dr. Julie Campbell.
Some scholarship and award winners with EIU President David Glassman at our annual Awards Tea. Great work, everyone!
Other opportunities can be found on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website.
