Dr. Michael N. Compton Public Affairs Essay Contest

A $2,000 cash prize* is awarded each fall to the best short essay that addresses the year's public affairs theme.

Entry Deadline: October 29, 2023

Submit your original short essay on any aspect of the 2023-2024

public affairs theme Navigating the Now.

Email your essay and cover page before midnight October 29, 2023 to publicaffairs@missouristate.edu

Congratulations to the 2022receipients!

First place

The author of the winning essay, receives a cash prize of $500 plus an additional $500 donated in their name to the charity or non-profit organization of their choice.

Winning author: Sophia Spangler, senior, Philosophy

Nonprofit match: NAMI of Southwest Missouri

2022 Public Affairs Essay Contest nonprofit match

Second place

Rachel Lacey, senior, Psychology

Jack Phillips, senior, Socio-Political Communications

Third place

Alanna Bryson, sophomore, History Education

Madeline Caughron, senior, International Business

Abigail Horn, junior, Communication Sciences Disorders

Recorded 2022 Presentation

Questions & Disclaimer

Missouri State's Office of Public Affairs Support helps to provide communication and web support for the contest. Please direct questions to 417-836-8832 or PublicAffairs@MissouriState.edu

All aspects of this essay contest, including prize distribution, is at the discretion of IDEAL and the essay review committee.

Entry and Prize Information