The Eugene Paul Nassar Poetry Prize
A prize of $2,000 is given annually for a poetry collection published in the previous year by a resident of upstate New York. The winner will also give a reading and teach a master class at Utica University.
Competition Details
Prize: $2,000 For best poetry collection published by an Upstate author.
Submission Deadline:
August 31, 2025
Entry Fee:
There is no entry fee.
Final Judge:
(To be announced.)
Entry Form
Entry Instructions:
Send completed entry form, a brief CV listing creative and scholarly accomplishments, and two (2) copies of the work to:
Elizabeth Threadgill, Ph.D
Utica University
School of Arts and Sciences
1600 Burrstone Road
Utica, NY 13502
**NOTE: Books may be sent in by author or publisher.
Submission Criteria:
Submitted work must be a book of poems in English, at least 48 pages long, published between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 by a resident of Upstate New York. Collections by more than one author, "collected" or "selected" volumes, collections of translations, self-published works, and vanity press publications are not eligible.
Additional Requirements:
Winner must agree, upon contest entry:
- to give permission for portions of the winning work to be reproduced for publicity; and
- to, at a mutually agreeable date in April 2026, 1) receive the award in person, 2) give a reading at Utica University, and 3) meet with students in a master class.
All books entered in competition will be donated to the Utica University library and the Utica Public Library.
The Nassar Poetry Prize is named in memory of Eugene Paul Nassar, professor emeritus of English at Utica University, who passed away in April of 2017 at the age of 81. Professor Nassar was a beloved faculty member at Utica University - an exceptional literary scholar, accomplished author, and mentor to generations of students. His impact at Utica is perhaps best captured in this remembrance penned by one of his many former students:
In Memoriam: Dr. Eugene Paul Nassar
Contact Us
Elizabeth Threadgill, Ph.D
Elizabeth Threadgill, Ph.D
Associate Professor of English
(315) 792-4525
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