Wanted: Applicants for the Post of Missouri Poet Laureate

Missouri is seeking applicants for the post of the state's poet laureate.

David Clewel of St. Louis is the current poet laureate. Clewel is an English professor at .

• Read More: What is a poet laureate?

The poet laureate serves a two-year term. The individual selected will present and lecture on poetry to school, community and civic groups throughout the state.

“Missouri has a long tradition of poets and authors whose words have moved and inspired generations of people around the world,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “Through naming a poet laureate, we recognize how poetry has enriched our lives and hope to inspire the poets and authors of the future.”

To apply:

• Find the application form online 
• Submit an application by Feb. 24, 2012

An advisory committee, including three representatives of the Missouri Center for the Book and two members appointed by the Governor, will review and evaluate applications, and recommending appropriate candidates for appointment to the Governor.

The members of the advisory committee are:

• Dr. James Baumlin, a Professor of English at Missouri State University, who has published numerous books, essays and reviews;
• Dr. Adam Davis, a professor in the Classical and Modern Languages Department at Truman State University;
• Gabriel Fried, the author of two poetry collections and the poetry editor at Persea Books. He teaches in the graduate creative writing program at the University of Missouri;
• Kris Kleindienst, a published author and columnist, and the owner of Left Bank Books, an independent bookstore with two locations in St. Louis; and
• Nola Ruth, the chair of the Missouri Arts Council, who served for 17 years as the director of the Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies.