Southeastern Regional Resources

Awards

Jim Liles Student Award

The Jim Liles Student Award is intended to assist students who are members of the CSA Southeastern Region and have a presentation accepted to the CSA 2026 National Symposium in Charlotte, NC. These presentations may be on any costume-related topic. The work should be well researched and may or may not be thesis, dissertation, course research project, independent study research, or senior project related. Award winners will receive $1,000 after they have presented at the National Symposium. 

Submission Guidelines

• Email a 2–3-page abstract, double-spaced, including select bibliography and up to one image to the Regional Awards Chair, Leigh Southward, at csouthwa@uark.edu.
• Include a cover page listing title, author, address, phone number, email address, University or College affiliation, and faculty advisor.
• Abstracts will be judged on clarity, objectives, evidence of thorough research, and significance to the field of costume and dress.
• The deadline for applications for the 2026 Jim Liles Student Award is April 10, 2026.
• To be considered for this award, student presenters must be CSA Southeastern Region members.
• All applicants will be notified of the jury's decision by April 17, 2026.



Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

Contact Leigh Southward with any questions about either of these awards.