2015-2016 Scholarship Recipients

E. Nelson James Junior Scholarship ($3,000 each)
	Chelsea Gritten George Fox University Alpha Rho Omicron Chapter Chelsea Gritten attends George Fox University and is completing her BA in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing. She has studied abroad at Oxford University and enjoys traveling, hiking, and above all, writing and reading. She hopes to become an author and professor of creative writing and literature.
	Matthew Wilde Rockhurst University Alpha Mu Gamma Chapter Matthew John Wilde is a senior at Rockhurst University, and president of the Alpha Mu Gamma Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. He is an English major with a concentration in literature and philosophy, and a minor in Catholic Studies. Currently his favorite authors are Dante, G.K. Chesterton, and Robert Bolt, and he admires the work of literary theorist Rene Girard.
Runners-up ($1,500 each)
	Hayley Edwards University of South Carolina Beaufort Alpha Sigma Sigma Chapter Hayley Edwards is a junior English major at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She is a peer tutor for the writing center and serves as copy editor for the May River Review, an academic interdisciplinary journal. After receiving her BA in English, she plans to attend graduate school to study rhetoric and composition, and then teach and study first-year English.
	Therese Holzapfel Clarion University Rho Iota Chapter Therese Holzapfel is a senior at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she is pursuing a BA in English with a minor in Spanish and Honors. She is entering her second year as Vice President of the Rho Iota Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and her second year as senior co-editor of Clarion University’s literary and arts journal, Tobeco. After graduation she plans to become an editor in the publishing field.
Elva Bell McLin Senior Scholarship ($4,000 each)
	Cody Jarman University of Tennessee, Martin Omega Theta Chapter Cody Jarman graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Martin, with a BA in English and a BFA in Theatre. Cody worked at UT Martin’s Writing Center, served as the 2014-2015 President of the Omega Theta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and has had critical essays and book reviews published in The Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research, Mythlore, and Film Matters. Cody is pursuing an MA in Irish Literature and Film at University College Cork through a Fulbright Grant.
	Michael Young University of North Texas Tau Delta Chapter Michael Young is a senior and McNair scholar studying English at the University of North Texas. His research interests are the intersections of rhetoric and writing studies, religious studies, and gender studies. After graduation, he plans to pursue a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition at Penn State University.
Runners-up ($2,000)
	Ann Baillie University of Kentucky Delta Epsilon Upsilon Chapter Ann Baillie is graduating with a BA in English from the University of Kentucky in December. She is the current President of the Delta Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an ambassador for the University’s Common Reading Experience, and helps teach a class of incoming English majors about university life. Upon graduation she plans to pursue a MLIS degree with a specialization in youth services librarianship.
	Jarred Thompson Alabama State University Iota Rho Chapter Jarred Thompson is a Johannesburg, South Africa, native and has recently graduated summa cum laude from Alabama State University with a BA in English. He plans to attend graduate school to pursue his MFA in creative writing or MA in professional writing to help him achieve his goal of becoming a fiction and non-fiction author.
Edwin L. Stockton, Jr., Graduate Scholarship ($4,000 each)
	Amadi Ozier Rutgers University-New Brunswick Alpha Pi Xi Chapter Amadi Ozier is a graduate student pursuing a PhD at Rutgers University where she helped reinstate the Alpha Pi Xi Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. She will use this scholarship to further her research interests, including torture in local color fiction, the conjunction between thing theory and body theory, and the use of humor in passing narratives.
	Shelby Ragan Illinois State University Lambda Delta Chapter Shelby Ragan received her BA in English Literature from Middle Tennessee State University and her MA in Children’s Literature from Illinois State University (ISU). She now is pursuing her PhD in English Studies with a concentration in children’s literature at ISU.
Runner-up ($2,000)
	Hannah Biggs Alumna of Otterbein University Hannah M. Biggs graduated with honors in 2012 from Otterbein University with a BA in English Literary Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Currently she is a PhD candidate in English at Rice University where her research interests include 20th century rural and farm writing, agricultural studies, modernism, regionalism, and human-animal studies. Her dissertation is tentatively titled, Regional Agrarian Modernisms: Farming Fiction and Rural Modernity in 20th century UK and US Prose.
	Rebecca Hudgins Northern Kentucky University Pi Omega Chapter Rebecca Hudgins graduated summa cum laude from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in May 2015 with a BA in English Literature. She served as the Public Relations Officer for NKU’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. This fall she is entering the Rhetoric Composition and Literacy MA/PhD program at The Ohio State University to study composition pedagogy, disability studies, and writing center pedagogy.
William C. Johnson Distinguished Scholarship ($5,000)
	Amber Jurgensen Louisiana Tech University Rho Gamma Chapter Amber Jurgensen graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana Tech University (LTU) in May 2016 with a BA in English and History, and a minor in International Studies. She held the positions of Secretary and President for the Rho Gamma Chapter, and is the incoming Vice President. She also was the 2015-2016 Student Representative for the Southern Region and has been working at the LTU Writing Center since spring 2014. She currently is pursuing an MA in English at LTU with plans to obtain a PhD, specializing in nineteenth-century British literature and the Victorian novel.
Runner-up ($3,000)
	Kallista Kidd Oklahoma Christian University Rho Mu Chapter Kallista Kidd graduated summa cum laude in spring 2016 with a BA in English from Oklahoma Christian University. She served as Vice President and Digital Historian for the Rho Mu Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and was senior editor and design director for Soundings, the student-run literary and visual arts journal. In fall 2016 she will attend Portland State University to pursue an MA in English.
Sigma Tau Delta Study Abroad Scholarship ($3,000) First Round
	Addie Crawford Winthrop University Iota Mu Chapter Addie Crawford is a junior at Winthrop University, pursuing a BA in English with a concentration in language and literature, and a minor in Psychology. She has presented her academic work at Winthrop’s annual undergraduate research conference, and has published her creative writing in Winthrop’s literary magazine, The Anthology. She plans to attend graduate school and eventually earn her PhD to attain her goal of teaching English at the university level.
Runners-up ($1,500 each)
	Becca Payton University of Tennessee, Knoxville Alpha Epsilon Chi Chapter Becca Payton is an Honors English Literature major with minors in History and Secondary Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a teaching assistant for middle and high school students in Knoxville and currently serves as Treasurer of the Alpha Epsilon Chi Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. She plans to receive her master’s in education and return to her hometown of Memphis to teach.
	Jessica Recce Marist College Alpha Mu Kappa Chapter Jessica Recce is a junior at Marist College pursuing a BA in English and Adolescent Education. She presented a paper at the Sigma Tau Delta 2015 International Convention and tutors for Marist’s Academic Learning Center. Jessica currently is studying abroad at Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence, Italy, where she takes literature classes and volunteers to teach English in local schools.
Second Round ($3,000)
	Jennifer Buchan University of North Texas Tau Delta Chapter Jennifer Buchan is pursuing a BA in English and is studying creative writing at the University of North Texas. After graduation she plans to pursue a PhD in Communication Arts at Penn State University. Her research interests include the connections between rhetoric, gender, and masculine abuse cycles.
Runner-up ($1,500)
	Teal St. Nicklaus Mercer University Tau Upsilon Chapter Teal St. Nicklaus is a senior at Mercer University double majoring in English Literature and Philosophy with a minor in Creative Writing. She is President of the Tau Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and the editor-in-chief for Mercer’s award winning literary magazine The Dulcimer. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in English Literature with a focus in medieval studies and critical theory.
Regent Scholarships ($1,000 each) Eastern
	Catherine Wright University of Charleston Iota Kappa Chapter Catherine Wright is a senior English and History major at the University of Charleston in Charleston, WV. She is a peer tutor, teacher’s assistant, the editor of the school newspaper The Eagle, and an active member of the Iota Kappa Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. After graduation she hopes to receive her masters in teaching English as a second language.
	Kaitlynn Sass Clarion University Rho Iota Chapter Kaitlynn Sass is a senior at Clarion University pursuing a BA in English Education with minors in Creative Writing and Honors. She is President of the Rho Iota Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and the Student Representative for the Eastern Region; a student worker in the Honors Office and the Writing Center; and a member of Reading for the Cure, the English Club, and Tobeco Literary and Arts Journal. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue her MA in English studies and begin a teaching career.
	Shannon Martin SUNY, Plattsburgh Alpha Delta Iota Chapter Shannon Martin graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh in May 2016 with a BA in English Literature and English Language Arts. She held the positions of Vice President and President for her chapter, and her fiction and nonfiction work has been published in ZPlatt, the literary journal of SUNY Plattsburgh. In the fall, she will attend graduate school at Teachers College, Columbia University to study teaching English as a second language.
High Plains
	Annastasia Glover Washburn University Phi Rho Chapter Annastasia Glover is a senior English major at Washburn University. She has served as President of the Phi Rho Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta for two years. Annastasia hopes her passion for reading and writing will inspire others as she continues her academic and professional career.
	Haley Brush Ursinus College Phi Upsilon Chapter Haley Brush is a junior at Ursinus College, pursuing her BA in English with minors in Creative Writing and Sociology. She is a Bonner Leader and highly involved in community service, dedicating many of her service hours to children’s learning and literacy. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in the publishing industry as an editor.
Midwestern
	Ava Bindas Macalester College Alpha Rho Theta Chapter Ava Bindas is a senior at Macalester College pursuing her BA in English Literature, with a minor in Political Science. She has served as officer for two years for the Alpha Rho Theta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and also is the senior editor of Macalester English Department’s newsletter, The Words.
	Karah Smith Michigan State University Alpha Upsilon Phi Chapter Karah Smith is a senior at Michigan State University, studying English, Psychology, and Secondary Teacher Education. She is the Vice President of the Alpha Upsilon Xi Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and hopes to attend graduate school to further explore her interest in interdisciplinary studies. She then intends to either complete a year-long student teaching internship to obtain her teaching certification in the state of Michigan, or pursue a career in an English related field such as academic development, communications, or publishing.
Southern
	Brittany Barron University of North Georgia, Gainesville Campus Alpha Upsilon Phi Chapter Brittany J. Barron graduated in May 2016 from the University of North Georgia with a BA in English and minor in Gender Studies. Her poetry appears in The Chestatee Review and Sanctuary, and The Edith Wharton Review and Gender Forum both have recognized her undergraduate research. In August 2016 she will attend Georgia College to pursue her MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in poetry.
	Lauren Haigler University of Louisiana, Monroe Beta Zeta Chapter Lauren Haigler is pursuing a BA in English with a minor in Dance from the Honors Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Upon completing her degree in spring 2018, she plans to begin a career in the publishing industry. When she is not typing or twirling, Lauren spends her time volunteering and writing her blog.
Southwestern
	Noah Golaboff Oklahoma Baptist University Chi Delta Chapter Noah Golaboff is a senior at Oklahoma Baptist University pursuing a BSE in Social Studies Secondary Education with a minor in English. In addition to being the Southwestern Student Representative for Sigma Tau Delta, he is a member of Phi Alpha Theta (National History Honor Society), and Kappa Kappa Psi (National Fraternity for College and University Band Members).
	Zoë Rom University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Alpha Tau Kappa Chapter Zoë Rom graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas with a BA in English, and minors in French and Italian. She will attend the University of Colorado in Boulder to study Journalism, with a focus in environmental science and policy.
P. C. Somerville Teaching Awards ($2,000 each)
	Aakriti Kapoor University of Toronto Scarborough Alpha Upsilon Eta Chapter Aakriti Kapoor graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree with High Distinction from the University of Toronto, with a double major in English and Psychology, and a Studio minor. She currently pursues a Masters of Teaching degree at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education to become an elementary teacher in Ontario, while conducting a research project in education technology.
	Robyn Gold The College of New Jersey Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter Robyn Gold received her BA in English and Secondary Education, and an MA in English from The College of New Jersey. She served as the 2013-2014 Vice President and 2014-2015 Co-President of the Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and has presented her work at an Eastern Regional conference and four International Sigma Tau Delta conventions. She also completed a teaching practicum as a composition instructor and writing tutor at Bucks County Community College while earning her master’s degree.
Summer Program Scholarship ($1,500)
	Teal St. Nicklaus Mercer University Tau Upsilon Chapter Teal St. Nicklaus is a senior at Mercer University double majoring in English Literature and Philosophy with a minor in Creative Writing. She is President of the Tau Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and the editor-in-chief for Mercer’s award winning literary magazine The Dulcimer. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in English Literature with a focus in medieval studies and critical theory.
Runner-up ($750)
	Anna Gracey The College of New Jersey Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter Anna Gracey is a junior at The College of New Jersey pursuing a BA in English and Secondary Education, with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She is Secretary of the Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and after graduation she hopes to teach middle or high school English.
Alumni Epsilon Scholarship (up to $2,500)
Winner ($2,500)
	Emily O'Brien Alumna of Indiana University East Emily O’Brien is an MA candidate in English with a focus in literature at Miami University in Oxford, OH. Her research interests include 20th and 21st century British literature, women’s literature, and literature as cultural memory. She graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English and a BA in History from Indiana University East, where she served as President of the Alpha Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. She is grateful to remain involved with the Society through the Alumni Epsilon Chapter.
Runner-up ($1,000)
	DeBowrah Stevens Alumna of University of North Florida DeBowrah Stevens is an MA candidate in English at the University of North Florida, where she graduated summa cum laude with her BA in 2015. While receiving her graduate degree, she hopes to curate a portfolio of fiction and creative non-fiction for further graduate study, become more involved with the Alpha Pi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and decide if she will pursue doctoral studies. Her research interests include magical realism, mythology, supernatural/fantastical, and comparative literature with a particular emphasis on East Asian, Latin American, and African literatures.