Missouri State University’s Department of English has announced the winners and finalists of the first annual Nancy Allen Research Writing Awards competition.

Winning entries represented a variety of writings, according to Lori Rogers, Writing II coordinator. Paper topics included discipline-specific, source-informed arguments as well as source-informed texts for digital platforms, the workplace and creative audiences.

Currently, the competition features two categories, “Entering the Conversation” and “Expanding the Conversation.” The selection committee, comprised of Writing II faculty members, chose three winners for each category along with several finalists.

Submission quality reveals student effort

Rogers said the quality of student writing reminded the committee “how hard our students work to excel at one of the most difficult tasks we have as human beings: conveying our ideas, questions and conclusions on paper or on screen. That’s a challenging endeavor for any of us.”

The committee was also impressed with the level of faculty engagement, Rogers noted. Writing II instructors nominated student entries through an anonymous submission and awards selection process.

“Given this was our first year offering the awards, we were all very surprised and happy to discover we had faculty submissions for 28 students,” she said. “That number really indicates how many of our teachers were willing to make the effort to give their students a chance at recognition for their hard work.”

The competition recognizes exemplary student research and writing from any Writing II course. Eligible courses include AGR 320; ENG 210, 221, 310, and 321; GLG 358; and HST 210.

Winners featured on department website

The English Department is featuring the selected entries on its website, Rogers said. She hopes this heightened online presence will allow future Writing II students to learn from their peers.

“Most texts that students read are written by highly qualified and established writers, so we are so grateful to have a way to demonstrate student writing that’s coming from a closer level of possibility and inspiration,” she noted.

Awards inspired by Nancy Allen legacy

The competition is named in honor of bestselling mystery author Nancy Allen, who also taught law at Missouri State for 15 years. Allen received her B.S. in English Education from Missouri State in 1978 and a J.D. from the University of Missouri in 1980.

“Of course, Nancy Allen’s life’s work as a best-selling writer, MSU instructor and prosecuting attorney provides another level of inspiration,” Rogers said. “We hope students can see all they can do with an English major, minor or, at the very least, through treasuring writing in their future.”

“We appreciate Nancy’s willingness to provide that inspiration,” she continued. “The committee looks forward to seeing this award grow and continue its positive impact on student writers.”

2024-2025 Nancy Allen Research Writing Awards

Category I: Entering the Conversation

Winners

Alexander Merrell

“Historical Analysis of the Persistence of Pagan Beliefs and Mythological Figures into the Renaissance, Their Restoration during the Renaissance, and Their Impact on Shakespeare’s Hamlet”

ENG 210: Rick Voliva, instructor

Thi Dieu Thuy Nguyen

“Extrasensory Perception and Sense of Self”

ENG 310: Lori Rogers, instructor

Ahleina Roberts

“The Path to a Fair Justice System: Integrating Neuroethics in Court”

ENG 210: Isabella Eslick, instructor

Finalists

Jenna Delay

“The Silent Scales of Workplace Justice: When Cheating is about Who not What”

ENG 210: Lori Rogers, instructor

Brittany Kelly

“Improving Sustainability Practices at Stormwater STL”

ENG 221: Vicke Kepling, instructor

Paige Stuart

“A Loss for Words: The Language Extinction Crisis”

ENG 210: Sam Kriegel, instructor

Category II: Expanding the Conversation

Winners

Danik Brown

“Podcast script”

ENG 210: Isabella Eslick, instructor

Jenna Delay

“To Be or Not to Be a Mother: A Memoir of a Young Girl Testing the Limits of Fate”

ENG 210: Lori Rogers, instructor

Spencer Mohn

“Immigration Policy Reform Proposal”

ENG 221: Vicke Kepling, instructor

Finalists

Lani Heeb

“Graphic Narrative”

ENG 210: Autumn Meyer, instructor

Vaeya Nichols

“Professional Narrative: My Illustration Career”

ENG 210: Dr. Keely Scott, instructor

Madison Spohn

“Learning Shorthand: Shorthand for Practical Application”

ENG 321: Dr. Marianthe Karanikas, instructor

Paige Stuart

“Walk Like a Man, Talk Like a Man: The History of Human Speech”

ENG 210: Sam Kriegel, instructor

Columbia Trout

“From Paraprofessional to Special Education Teacher: A Journey of Growth”

ENG 210: Dr. Keely Scott, instructor

Cremzin Turley

“Sustainable Chemical Processes: Concept Proposal”

ENG 210: Stephany Pace, instructor

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