Contact

Dr. Daniel Barclay, Writing Program Director
Office: Simpkins Hall 124
Phone: (309) 298-2136
Email: D-Barclay@wiu.edu

Winners

View Current & Past Winners

Leland Essay Contest

The Leland Essay Contest was established by Bruce H. Leland during the 2002-2003 academic year to recognize the best writers in the Western Writing Program. Winning essays are published in the print and online issues of Western Voices, and used as readings in many composition courses. Winners in each category receive a monetary prize:  $150 – first place, $100.00 – second place, and $50.00 – third place.  All winners (including honorable mentions) will be recognized and receive a certificate at the English Department Awards Night in April 2025.

Contest Rules

  • All students in ENG 100, 180, 280, and GH 101 are eligible to enter one traditional print-based essay per successfully completed course taken in Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024. You may submit one form for each course that you completed.
  • Remove any identifying information (your name, instructor name, etc.) from the essay.
  • Consider submitting essays that were especially successful in class and demonstrate your very best writing and creative skills.
  • Submission for the 2024 Leland Essay Contest is open until Friday, January 24, 2025 . Essays submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for consideration.

Submissions for the 2024 Leland Essay Contest are now being accepted! Please click on the link for directions to submit your essay(s):  2024 Leland Essay Contest Submission Form