2026 Creative Writing Scholarship Winners
Each year, the Duke English faculty celebrates exceptional undergraduate writers, nominating students whose creative work has truly captivated them. The Creative Writing Committee then selects the winners of the prestigious William M. Blackburn, Francis Pemberton, and Margaret Rose Knight Sanford Scholarships.
Frances Pemberton Scholarship
This scholarship honors a junior or senior who is passionately pursuing creative writing. Established by the Trustees of The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, it pays tribute to Francis Pemberton’s dedicated service to the Biddle Foundation.
Imogen Rawlings-Green, ‘26
Margaret Rose Knight Sanford Scholarship
Awarded each year to a female student who shows remarkable promise in creative writing, this scholarship was created to honor the tireless dedication of Margaret Rose Knight Sanford to Duke University.
Vanessa Gomez, ‘26 & Ava Williams, ‘28
William Blackburn Scholarship
Founded in 1962 by students and friends of Professor William Blackburn, the visionary behind Duke’s creative writing program, this scholarship celebrates exceptional achievement in creative writing.
Sarah Pusser, ‘28, Riley Reeves, ‘26, & Rani Teddy, ‘26
To be considered for these scholarships, nominated students must also qualify for financial aid.
