Texas State graduate student receives Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship

Chisom Ogoke, a Texas State University student pursuing her master of fine arts (MFA) in creative writing, has been awarded the first Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship at Texas State. Administered by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the scholarship provides financial assistance to students entering their first year of graduate or professional study. 

After graduating from the Honors College at Texas State in May, with a bachelor of arts in English and anthropology, Ogoke’s next academic goals are to continue her education and gain new experiences. 

“This fellowship helps me reach my goals and allows me to concentrate on acquiring greater experiences as a writer, storyteller and instructor for the next generation,” says Ogoke. 

After completing the MFA program at Texas State, Ogoke plans to work abroad, teaching English in diverse communities and institutions that are sustained by nonprofit organizations or national governments. 

When selecting a graduate program, Ogoke says that Texas State’s MFA in Creative Writing program contained all, and more, of what she was seeking in continuing her education. The historic Katherine Anne Porter Literary Center on the San Marcos campus, along with the Visiting Writers Series and master classes, made the program an opportunity she could not miss. 

“The graduate program here not only has renowned authors as faculty members, but also attracts Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning writers as guest speakers and writers-in-residence,” says Ogoke. 

She credits her success to several professors and staff members who helped her apply herself throughout her undergraduate career at Texas State. 

“I would like to thank my thesis advisers, Dr. Sharon Ugalde, Dr. Graeme Wend-Walker, and Dr. Richard L. Warms, for their encouragement and advice throughout my thesis development, and staff member, Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, who guided me through the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship application process,” Ogoke says. 

Ogoke advises students wanting to continue their academic careers in creative writing to do their research, take advantage of on-campus resources and believe in themselves. 

“I was encouraged to research the program to make sure it was where I felt I could grow. I knew it was essential that I utilize the various resources on campus to review the application’s requirements and perfect my submission,” says Ogoke. “Writing is a craft needed in almost all fields, and creative writing can assist students in bringing out the best of their abilities,” she adds.