Center for Writers Graduate Student Earns Prestigious Award for Nonfiction

Thu, 06/26/2025 - 02:06pm | By: Dr. David Tisdale

A doctoral student in The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Writers has earned a top award from the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) for her nonfiction writing.

Katie Rhodes, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., took the AWP’s Intro Journals Project as a 2025 Prose Winner in the Creative Nonfiction category for her piece, “Spread,” which will be published in the Florida Review.

“It's such a great honor, and to be honest, I'm not sure I've fully processed it yet,” said Rhodes, who just completed her first year in the program. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Naropa University in Boulder, Colo. “This is my first publication, so more than anything, I think it was incredibly validating for me to know that I'm where I'm supposed to be in doing this program.”

Established in 1967, the AWP is a national professional association of creative writers and writing programs committed to amplifying “the voices of writers and the academic programs and organizations that serve them while championing diversity and excellence in creative writing.” The organization annually hosts the largest gathering of writers in North America and commits to building “supportive communities united by a love for the literary arts through our extensive website, thriving mentorship program, and magazine dedicated to the craft of writing.”

“We are immensely proud of Katie,” said Dr. Olivia Friedman, Southern Miss associate professor of English and director of the Center for Writers. “This award recognizes the best creative work of nonfiction by a graduate student, as submitted by programs all over the country. In addition, Katie will have her piece published. This is a highly competitive prize, and all Center for Writers faculty are beaming for her.” 

Click here for information about the Southern Miss Center for Writers.