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Savannah State University’s Estuary Wins Prestigious Award

The vibrant cover of Estuary, Savannah State University's celebrated literary magazine.

News Summary

Savannah State University’s student-led literary magazine, Estuary, has secured first place in the annual AWP Prize for undergraduate literary magazines. Competing against notable institutions like Rice University and Yale University, Estuary stood out for its exceptional content and innovative design. The magazine, which celebrates the literary creativity of SSU students, reflects themes of resilience and liberation while encouraging diverse voices. Faculty support has been instrumental in its success, making Estuary a vital platform for student expression amid challenges faced by the university.

Savannah – Savannah State University’s (SSU) student-led literary magazine, Estuary, has achieved a significant accomplishment by winning first place in the annual 2025 Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Prize for undergraduate literary magazines. This prestigious accolade was awarded to Estuary amidst submissions from numerous institutions, including well-known universities such as Rice University and Yale University, which secured second and third places, respectively.

Estuary, which celebrates the literary creativity of SSU students, stood out among hundreds of entries for its remarkable quality. The award recognizes not only the exceptional content featured in the publication but also its cohesive design and innovative approach to student-led literary work.

This year, the judging panel was led by Ona Anosike, founder and chief editor of the literary journal Tonic at Lesley University. Anosike commended Estuary for being a “bold and beautifully produced journal” that embodies the investment of the SSU campus community in the literary arts. The magazine’s latest volume emphasizes themes of resilience and liberation, reflecting the current cultural and emotional climate among students.

Faculty support played a crucial role in the magazine’s achievements. Dr. Chad Faries, an associate professor of English, and Kelly Evans, an instructor of English, offered editorial guidance, with Faries also serving as the senior editor. The collaboration among faculty and students has helped nurture the literary community at SSU, providing a platform for diverse student voices.

Estuary successfully engaged students in its creative process through a guest submission contest, earning recognition for top entries in both prose and poetry categories. This initiative highlights the collaborative spirit of the magazine and its commitment to celebrating outstanding student work.

The magazine’s success is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by SSU, including recent deactivations of liberal arts programs. The environment of student protests and a vibrant culture of creativity have contributed to Estuary’s continuous success, serving as a testament to the resilience of the student body amid budget cuts and program eliminations.

Estuary’s editorial team includes Sierra Edmonds, Sierra Sails, and Kailee Mack, with layout direction provided by Chloe Gallivan and Belkys Del Valle Allred. This collaborative effort reflects a deep commitment to producing a high-quality literary journal.

The contest represented the first submission from Estuary in several years, making the recognition particularly significant for the creative community at SSU. Anosike noted the emotional impact of the works published in the magazine, emphasizing the sense of urgency and intention behind the student contributions.

Estuary has broadened its content offerings, incorporating a variety of creative expressions from the entire student body, rather than limiting its focus solely to those enrolled in creative writing programs. The magazine also includes features such as student and faculty spotlights, as well as memorial pieces honoring former professors, further enriching its content.

Despite the reduction in liberal arts courses available at SSU, Estuary remains a vital outlet for literary art on campus. It serves as an important platform for connection and expression, empowering students to explore their creative potential within the university community.

Nyree Wright, a rising senior majoring in Marine Science and president of the Estuary Creative Writing Club for the past three years, expressed astonishment at the magazine’s accolade. This achievement is a source of pride for the SSU community, representing a collective investment in the literary arts and an enduring commitment to student creativity.