2026 Dixon Application Process
Junior English majors interested in applying, please complete all questions in the 2026 Dixon Awards Online Application Form, making sure to attach a brief letter of intent (maximum of 2 pages, single-spaced), and a copy of your transcript(s) (unofficial transcripts accepted) by November 14th, 2025.
In your letter of intent, please include your “Full Name” and “Proposal Title and Short Description” as you enter them in the online application form.
Next, be specific and thoughtful in describing your research project and how you will use the funds to enrich your studies as you begin your senior year. Successful applications will address the following questions (not necessarily in this order):
- Describe how you will use the funds to access unique resources or experiences related to your research that you would not be able to access without the Dixon Award. What libraries, archives, historical sites, or other physical resources will you visit? What conferences, workshops, or other literary events will you participate in?
- Keeping in mind that research projects evolve over time, articulate as clearly as you can the specific question, or set of questions, that currently drive your project. What are you trying to understand and how will the Dixon Award enable you to do so?
- Describe how your research project and central question(s) have emerged from the work you’ve already done at LC. What specific coursework, literary works, and/or research experiences inform and animate your project and the questions you’re asking?
- Describe how your research project will enhance specific creative and/or scholarly activities that you anticipate engaging in during your senior year and beyond. What classes, writing projects, graduate school plans, or other future endeavors will be positively impacted by the knowledge and experience you gain through the Dixon Award?
Applicants are encouraged to consult with an English department faculty member and/or research librarian when preparing their application. Erica Jensen is the library liaison for the English department and will be happy to meet with you. Preference will be given to applications that prepare the way for meaningful and productive research experiences by showing evidence of preliminary planning and sleuthing. This might be achieved by showing familiarity with the contents and availability of on-site archival materials (as opposed to materials collected in published editions or available through online databases), demonstrating knowledge of existing scholarship or creative work relevant to your project in a bibliography, and providing an itinerary and budget. The English department recently updated these application guidelines, but you might still find it helpful to consult successful Dixon Award applications by former students, available here. You are also encouraged to attend the presentation from last year’s Dixon Award winners, which will take place on Tuesday, October 21st in Miller 102 from 3:30-5pm.
We look forward to reviewing your application!
