MFA in Writing Program Launches New Fellowship

The College of Communciation, Fine Arts and Media, and the the School of the Arts MFA in Writing program announce the formation of the Richard Duggin Fellowship.

In 1964, Richard Duggin began a career in teaching that would create the foundation for not only UNO’s MFA in Writing program, but the first undergraduate creative writing degree in the United States. His single trial course in fiction writing has grown into an entire department and degree which includes major emphases in Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, and Screenwriting. In 2005, Duggin founded the MFA in Writing, and served as Program Coordinator until 2017.

After 55 years of full-time teaching, Duggin “retired,” but maintains a close connection with both the University and the MFA program, serving as a mentor to the students. Duggin says, “because of my love for the process of helping young writers grow in their craft and art as serious writers, and because of my admiration and affection for the talented cohort of faculty . . . it remains for me an honor and my great pleasure to work alongside and among them all.”

Because of his importance to the program and through a generous contribution, the MFA in Writing program established the Richard Duggin Fellowship in 2020 to award excellence and/or address the needs of incoming or current students. Decisions about the awardees are made by the current MFA Coordinator, who will take a holistic view of applicants and their situations, as well as their craftsmanship and technique in writing. The more the fellowship grows through donations, the more applicants can be awarded.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s MFA in Writing program is not simply unique in its specifics, which include one-on-one mentorship and four 16-week at-home semesters combined with five 10-day conference-style residencies at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center. It is an exercise in camaraderie, guidance, and intensive individual growth for graduate students who are eager to hone their skills and absorb wisdom from professional writers.

For more information, contact MFA Program Coordinator Kevin Clouther at kclouther@unomaha.edu

Interested in the Writer's Workshop or the MFA in Writing program in the School of the Arts?

Visit arts.unomaha.edu

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.