Dr. Michael N. Compton Public Affairs Essay Contest - Public Affairs

Developing citizen Scholars through public affairs.

The 12th annual Dr. Michael N. Compton Public Affairs Essay Contest is a joint undertaking between the MSU Sigma Pi Fraternity, it's alumni through the Institute for Development of Ethics and Leadership and the MSU Office of Public Affairs Support.

Eligible students submit a short essay on the year's public affairs theme.

Learn how to participate for fall 2026!

Deadline is Oct. 18, 2026.

Congratulations 2025 recipients!

group of Sigma Pi members and essay winners

Sigma Pi members congratulate the 2025 awardees. Front row from left to right, Shawnewa Dahozy, Rachael Hartzell, Trinity Tuggle, Iris Vallier and Nguyen Huynh. Attended by Zoom is online student, Warren Stulac.

First Place

Trinity Tuggle | Freshman, Biomedical Sciences major

Received $1,500 plus $500 to a charity or non-profit of choice. Contest funds are made possible by IDEAL (Sigma Pi Fraternity's alumni non-profit organization).

Nonprofit donation: KC Pet Project

winner receiving check

KC Pet Project staff with check

Second Place

Received $300 MSU Bookstore gift cards sponsored by the Political Science Department.

Shawnewa Dahozy | Senior, Biomedical Sciences

Warren Stulac | Junior, Schildhood Education & Family Studies

Third Place

Received $125 check sponsored by IDEAL.

Rachael Hartzell | Junior, Animal Science

Nguyen Huynh | Junior, Chemistry & Biochemistry

Iris Vallier | Freshman, Theater & Dance

Questions & Disclaimer

Missouri State's Office of Public Affairs Support assists with the campus administration portions of the contest. Contact 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.