Missouri State University’s Department of English and the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) announce the first annual Nancy Allen Research Writing Awards competition.
The competition recognizes exemplary research and writing by students enrolled in any of MSU’s Writing II courses. Eligible Writing II courses include AGR 320; ENG 210, 221, 310, and 321; GLG 358; and HST 210.
Writing II courses introduce students to the writing of their chosen disciplines and professions. As such, exemplary writing will demonstrate research-informed discussion from a variety of disciplines and writing approaches, said Lori Rogers, senior instructor and Writing II coordinator at MSU.
Inspired by student efforts
Rogers, who has taught writing at MSU for over 20 years, created and developed the competition. Students – and their work – inspired her to create the award.
“Many of them put so much time and effort into developing their writing, but there isn’t much opportunity to celebrate undergraduate research writing,” she said. “This award will let us recognize exemplary writing.”
Nancy Allen an ideal example
When searching for an ideal example around which to build the competition, Rogers immediately thought of Nancy Allen.
“We have a strong belief in our department that you can do almost anything with an English major,” Rogers noted. “That ability to create success from a liberal arts background is what Nancy Allen truly represents.”
Allen’s educational and career background provided the perfect example, Rogers said. She first trained as a teacher before attending law school and becoming a prosecuting attorney. Additionally, Allen taught law at MSU for 15 years and is now a bestselling mystery author.
“She has done almost everything you can do with an English major,” Rogers said. “And she has done all that because she was first trained in research and writing, which develops a core knowledge and practice in critical thinking and writing that can allow you to become whatever you want to be.”
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