Ryan Tyler and Jordan Scruggs Win Poetry Awards

On February 23rd a celebration of and memorial tribute to the life of former Chattanooga State English professor and poet John Stigall was held in the library.  The program was in recognition of Black History Month, and as a part of that event, the English Department held a poetry writing contest for which first and second prizes were awarded. 

Students who received the awards were:

Ryan Tyler--1st Place award of $150
Jordan Scruggs--2nd place award of $50

Other highlights of the ceremony included an introduction of Mrs. Iris Stigall, Mr. Stigall's widow, who thanked the sponsors and spoke briefly about John's love of teaching and poetry.  Several faculty recalled their fond memories of John and his close relationships with his students, his sense of humor, and his devotion to writing. 

Student Ellis Wiltshire read a selection of Mr. Stigall's poetry.  Other program participants included students Timiney Mott , Melinda Brown, Brandon Ellis, Mikael Rawlings, Jennifer E. Clark, Odis Gaines, Heather VanMetre; and faculty members Debbie Rudd, De'Lara Stephens, Bill Stifler, and Bill Teem.

Following the program, attendees viewed a video commemoration of Mr. Stigall and his writing.

The library owns these copies of Mr. Stigall's poetry:
Subjects for Other Conversations
Broken Mirrors Reflect the World