Funding for Creative Writing Students at the University of Idaho
- Dec 19, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
The University of Idaho has expanded its support for English and Creative Writing majors through a series of endowed scholarships that recognize academic achievement, creative promise, and financial need. Established by alumni, educators, and community donors, the awards reflect a long-standing effort to expand access to humanities education and cultivate a vibrant literary community on campus. The scholarships now form a structured network of support for students preparing for careers in writing, teaching, research, and the arts.
The University of Idaho’s Department of English sustains a long tradition of supporting undergraduate writers, educators, and scholars through endowed scholarships that recognize academic achievement, creative potential, and commitment to the study of literature. These awards—established over many decades by alumni, faculty, and community donors—reflect a shared belief that students should have the financial and intellectual resources necessary to pursue ambitious work in the humanities.
Together, these funds form a comprehensive support network for English and Creative Writing majors, easing financial pressure while encouraging students to deepen their engagement with research, creative practice, teaching, and departmental initiatives. Many scholarships honor individuals whose contributions to education and the arts shaped the region; others were created to expand access for students who bring promise, persistence, and curiosity to their studies.
The following sections outline the purpose, history, and eligibility of each award. They are intended to help current and prospective students understand the opportunities available to them and to highlight the generous donors whose support continues to strengthen the department’s literary and academic community.
Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards
The University of Idaho’s Department of English supports emerging writers, educators, and literary scholars through a range of endowed scholarships created by donors who believed deeply in the study of language and literature. These awards recognize academic excellence, creative achievement, community engagement, and financial need. Unless otherwise noted, English majors are considered automatically based on departmental criteria, academic records, and faculty recommendations.
Erma M. Scholtz Coppage & Richard P. Coppage Scholarship
Established through an endowed gift from Erma M. Scholtz Coppage and Richard P. Coppage, this scholarship reflects the couple’s long-standing investment in higher education across the Inland Northwest. The Coppages supported multiple academic initiatives at the University of Idaho during the mid-to-late twentieth century, with particular emphasis on strengthening programs in the humanities. Their endowment for English majors remains one of the department’s earliest sustained scholarship funds.
The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate both academic distinction and meaningful engagement with the department’s literary community. Typical recipients show strong performance in upper-division English coursework, participation in departmental organizations or readings, and a commitment to advancing literary study on campus. In recent years, faculty committees have also considered students’ contributions to peer mentoring, tutoring, campus publications, and outreach activities connected to the humanities.
The award is granted annually and may be given to more than one student depending on available endowment earnings. Because the scholarship is designed to support students already active in the major, final decisions are based on faculty evaluation rather than a separate application process.
No application required; all English majors are evaluated automatically during the department’s annual scholarship review.
Earl & Ada David Scholarship
Endowed by Earl and Ada David—philanthropic supporters of humanities and public education throughout Idaho and the broader Pacific Northwest—this scholarship recognizes English majors who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and a clear commitment to literary study. The Davids contributed to several scholarship initiatives at the University of Idaho during the mid-twentieth century, sharing a commitment to expanding academic opportunities for students pursuing degrees in the liberal arts. Their endowment continues to strengthen the department’s ability to recruit and support high-achieving undergraduates.
The scholarship is merit-based and awarded to students who maintain a strong GPA in English coursework, show consistent engagement with the major, and demonstrate the intellectual discipline expected of candidates preparing for advanced literary study, teaching careers, graduate programs, or professional writing pathways. Faculty review course performance, contributions to classroom dialogue, and evidence of sustained progress in analytical or creative work when making selection decisions.
Depending on annual endowment earnings, the scholarship may support one or multiple students each academic year. Awardees often represent the top tier of the English major and frequently participate in undergraduate research, honors projects, or mentorship roles within the department.
No separate application required; all English majors are automatically considered during the department’s annual scholarship review.
Hogue Family Centennial Literary Scholarship
Created in conjunction with the University of Idaho’s 100th anniversary, the Hogue Family Centennial Literary Scholarship was established to honor the university’s longstanding commitment to the literary arts and to support students preparing for careers in professional writing. The Hogue family—whose members have deep ties to Idaho and a long record of supporting regional journalism, public education, and literary culture—endowed the scholarship to encourage undergraduates who show early promise as writers, editors, or communicators.
The scholarship is awarded to English majors who demonstrate strong potential in creative writing, literary journalism, digital media, editing, or cultural criticism. Selection committees typically look for students who produce work beyond course requirements, whether through campus publications, independent creative projects, internships, or participation in writing-centered organizations. Strong applicants often build portfolios that reflect ambition, discipline, and an emerging voice.
Because the award was established during the university’s centennial, it remains one of the department’s signature undergraduate funds, supporting students with professional literary aspirations. Endowment earnings may support one or more recipients each year, depending on available funding.
No separate application required; eligible students are automatically reviewed during the department’s annual scholarship evaluation.
Gayle Hungerford Memorial Scholarship
The Gayle Hungerford Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Gayle Hungerford, a long-time advocate for English education and a respected figure in the Moscow community. Hungerford supported local literacy initiatives and worked closely with area schools to strengthen writing and reading programs, leaving a legacy that continues through this scholarship. In recognition of that commitment, the award is reserved specifically for first-year English majors graduating from Moscow-area high schools—a group Hungerford cared deeply about throughout her career.
Recipients typically enter the university with strong writing foundations, demonstrated through high school coursework, participation in journalism or literary clubs, or early creative work. The scholarship is intended to encourage local students as they transition to university-level study, supporting those who demonstrate a commitment to engaging seriously with literature, creative writing, or English education.
Departmental committees review academic records, recommendations, and evidence of the student’s interest in the discipline. Because the award is locally oriented and tied closely to community involvement, high school English instructors often help identify promising candidates and notify the department during the selection cycle.
Eligible students or their high school English instructors notify the Department of English for consideration.
Grace V. Nixon – English Scholarship
The Grace V. Nixon Scholarship was established by Grace V. Nixon, a career educator whose work in Idaho schools helped shape generations of students and teachers. Nixon was known for her commitment to high-quality English instruction, her advocacy for strong public education, and her belief that well-prepared English teachers play a central role in developing critical thinking and communication skills in young learners. Her endowment reflects that legacy by supporting undergraduates who intend to pursue teaching careers in secondary English education.
Recipients of the scholarship typically demonstrate academic strength in literature and writing, alongside early evidence of pedagogical interest. This may include participation in tutoring programs, work with youth literacy initiatives, leadership roles in writing-focused extracurriculars, or plans to enter a teacher certification pathway. Faculty reviewers also consider a student’s engagement with the department, reliability, and commitment to service, qualities essential to the profession Nixon sought to uplift.
The scholarship is awarded annually based on endowment performance and may be granted to more than one student, depending on available funds. It remains one of the department’s primary awards supporting future educators and often serves as an early indicator of students who later pursue teacher certification or graduate study in English education.
No separate application required; eligible English majors are automatically considered during the department’s annual scholarship review.
Malcolm & Carol Renfrew English Scholarship
Endowed by Malcolm and Carol Renfrew, two of the University of Idaho’s most distinguished benefactors, this scholarship reflects the couple’s long-standing commitment to advancing liberal arts education on campus. Malcolm Renfrew, a renowned chemist and University of Idaho alumnus best known for his pioneering work in polymer science and the development of Teflon, was also a dedicated advocate for the humanities. Together with his wife Carol—an active supporter of the arts and community engagement—Renfrew established a series of scholarships across disciplines to ensure students had access to a broad, intellectually rich education.
The Malcolm & Carol Renfrew English Scholarship recognizes English majors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a clear investment in the literary life of the department. Recipients typically maintain a strong GPA across upper-division coursework, contribute meaningfully to class discussions and writing-intensive projects, and often participate in department initiatives such as student publications, reading series, tutoring programs, or literary organizations.
The scholarship is awarded annually, with specific award levels determined by endowment performance. It often serves as a marker of distinction for students pursuing advanced study, preparing for graduate programs, or developing significant creative or scholarly projects.
No separate application required; English majors are automatically reviewed during the department’s annual scholarship selection process.
Leishman English Award
The Leishman English Award is one of the department’s longstanding honors for graduating seniors, established through a gift from the Leishman family to recognize students whose academic work and departmental involvement exemplify the highest standards of the English major. Created to celebrate leadership, scholarship, and service, the award reflects the Leishman family’s commitment to supporting humanities education at the University of Idaho and to acknowledging students who strengthen the department’s intellectual community.
The award is granted annually to senior English majors who have demonstrated exceptional achievement across their coursework and contributed meaningfully to the department’s cultural or scholarly life. Recipients often distinguish themselves through undergraduate research projects, conference presentations, capstone portfolios, or creative manuscripts produced during upper-division workshops. Faculty also consider the student’s engagement in departmental activities—such as participation in student organizations, assistance with readings or events, mentorship of peers, or involvement in writing and tutoring initiatives.
The Leishman English Award is traditionally presented near the end of the academic year and is regarded as one of the department’s highest honors for undergraduates completing their degree.
No separate application required; all eligible seniors in the English major are automatically reviewed during the department’s annual awards process.
George W. & Kathryn S. Woodbury Scholarship
The George W. & Kathryn S. Woodbury Scholarship was established through an endowment by George W. and Kathryn S. Woodbury, long-time supporters of public education and advocates for expanding access to the humanities. Their gift reflects a core belief that students should be able to pursue degrees in English—whether in literature, creative writing, or English education—regardless of financial circumstances. The fund continues to provide critical assistance to undergraduates for whom financial pressure might otherwise limit academic progress or engagement in the literary community.
The scholarship is awarded to English majors who demonstrate both financial need and strong academic performance. While the number and amount of awards vary with annual endowment returns, recipients typically show steady progress toward the degree, a sustained commitment to literary study, and active participation in coursework or departmental activities. Faculty committees often give particular consideration to students balancing employment, caregiving responsibilities, or other financial burdens alongside their academic work.
As one of the department’s primary need-based awards, the Woodbury Scholarship helps create equitable access to upper-division courses, research opportunities, and co-curricular activities that strengthen a student’s academic and professional development.
No separate application required; English majors are automatically considered. Completing the FAFSA is necessary for verifying financial need.
The Banks Award
The Banks Award is the Department of English’s highest recognition for exceptional undergraduate writing. Established through a donor gift dedicated to promoting excellence in written communication, the award honors students whose work demonstrates uncommon clarity, originality, and command of form across a range of genres. It reflects the department’s belief that strong writing, whether analytical or creative, is central to the study of English and foundational to a wide array of professions.
Each spring, faculty nominate outstanding student work produced during the academic year in categories including first-year composition, literary analysis, fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Nominated pieces undergo a departmental review process in which faculty evaluate the writing’s argumentative sophistication, stylistic control, imaginative range, and contribution to classroom or workshop conversation. Because the award spans both creative and critical genres, recipients often represent the department’s most versatile writers.
Past awardees have moved on to significant academic and professional opportunities. Many have published short fiction, poems, or essays in regional and national outlets; presented research at undergraduate conferences; or pursued graduate study in literature, rhetoric, composition, or creative writing. The award serves not only as recognition of achievement but also as an early indicator of future scholarly or artistic promise.
Students do not submit work directly. Faculty nominate eligible writing at the end of the spring semester for departmental review.
Comments