For the 2026-2027 year, The Willingham is in alignment with the University of North Alabama’s theme, “Grow Your World,” and will showcase the exceptional stories of people and places around the globe. In a world of numerous cultures and identities, The Willingham hopes to invite discussions of accessibility and opportunity and draw attention to individual and local narratives that have historically inspired growth and courage. Graduate students are encouraged to submit work on people of admiration, locations and moments of change, and traditions whose legacies continue to impact us today. In the words of Lee Taylor at UNA, “this is our opportunity to share the story of who we are, and the depth of how the world perceives us.”