The Department of English and Languages at East Central University conducts the Paul Hughes Memorial Writing Award every year, a writing competition open to all enrolled ECU students.

Works of poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction essay are eligible for consideration. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place.

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About Paul Hughes

Born in Roff, Paul Hughes attended Ada High School and earned his B.A. with honors from East Central in 1936. At ECU, Hughes served as president of the senior class, editor of the campus newspaper, and captain of the debate team. At age 27, Hughes published his first novel, Retreat from Rostov, with Random House. He went on to publish 15 other books, including Challenge at Changsa (Macmillan), Jeff (John Day), and the Salsbury Story (University of Arizona Press), as well as numerous short stories in magazines such as Collier's, Woman's Home Companion, Vogue, and Liberty. After his death, his family established an endowment with the ECU Foundation that funds the writing award offered in his name. Many recipients of the award have become published writers and students in quality graduate writing programs across the country.