Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University's Graduate School is proud to share exciting and historic news: Brooke Wilson (M.A. Communication Studies '25) has been named the recipient of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS)/ProQuest Distinguished Master's Thesis Award in the Humanities. This is the first time an EIU Graduate School student has ever received this honor. The MAGS/ProQuest award celebrates outstanding master's-level scholarship, and Wilson's achievement represents a major milestone for her and for EIU. Her thesis, "For Her Horror: Sociopsychological Gratifications Obtained by Fem Fans of the Slasher," was selected for its originality, intellectual rigor, and significant contribution to the discipline, distinguishing it among submissions from graduate institutions across the Midwest. In recognition of her work, Wilson will receive a $750 honorarium from MAGS/ProQuest and will be formally recognized at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, to be held March 25-27, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. This landmark achievement highlights the strength of graduate scholarship at Eastern Illinois University and reflects the collaborative academic environment fostered by The Graduate School, faculty mentors, and programs.