Belhaven University is searching for the next generation of gifted storytellers through the seventh annual Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship. Named in honor of acclaimed author and Belhaven alumna Angie Thomas ’11, the program will award one aspiring creative writing major a full-ride scholarship.
Thomas is the author of the New York Times best-selling novels The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, Concrete Rose, and Nic Blake and the Remarkables. Her work has earned numerous honors, including the William C. Morris Award and the Coretta Scott King Award.
“The Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship is such a financial blessing for students, and I’m deeply honored that Belhaven not only established it but chose to name it after me,” Thomas said.
The scholarship competition is open to incoming freshmen and eligible transfer students pursuing a BFA in Creative Writing at Belhaven. Applicants must submit a portfolio featuring 12 to 15 pages of original creative writing, which may include poetry, fiction, plays, creative nonfiction, or a combination of genres.
One student will receive a full-ride scholarship covering tuition, room, and board. Additional scholarships and recognition as Angie Thomas Scholars will be awarded to other applicants.
Thomas believes the scholarship is helping young writers transform their creative aspirations into reality.
“To know that another young writer will be given the opportunity to grow their craft in a Christ-centered environment is powerful,” Thomas said. “That’s not just good news for writing but for the Kingdom impact it will have. I’m excited to see the talent and works that will come as a result of this scholarship.”
“This scholarship has been such a blessing. I’m so thankful that the bridge into this next stage of life was covered in such great generosity,” said 2025 scholarship winner Owen Jarvis. “Belhaven has been more than I could ever dream of—the strong community, the emphasis on faith, and the importance of the arts are everything I’d wanted out of college. And it’s all here. It’s an incredible place to land one’s college experience.”
Dr. Randall Smith, chair and professor of Creative Writing, emphasized the life-changing opportunity the scholarship provides.
“This scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity for transformative growth as a person and artist,” Smith said. “Through our BFA in Creative Writing, talented storytellers and poets join a vibrant writing community rooted in a rich tradition of creative excellence.”
Interested students can review the requirements and apply. Applications and portfolio materials are due December 1, 2026. The scholarship recipient will be selected January 15, 2027.
