Virginia

Current Laureate:
Claudia Emerson

Start of Term:
August 26, 2008

Position History:
Position established December 18, 1936; codified in Virginia Code, § 1-512. The text of the law follows:

The honorary position of Poet Laureate of Virginia is hereby created. Beginning in 1998, the Governor may appoint a poet laureate from a list of nominees submitted by the Poetry Society of Virginia. Each poet laureate shall serve a term of two years with no restrictions on reappointment.

(1997, c. 299, § 7.1-43; 2005, c. 839.)

The first Virginia state poet laureate was Carter Warner Wormeley. Formerly, the laureate was appointed by the General Assembly, usually for a term of one year.

Previous laureates include:
Carter Warner Wormeley
Guy Carleton Drewry (1970-1991)
Kathryn Forrester Thro (July 1, 1994-June 30, 1996)
Margaret Ward Morland (1996-1998)
Joseph Awad (1998-2000)
Grace Simpson (2000-2002)
George Garrett (July 9, 2002-2004)
Rita Dove (Sept. 20, 2004-June 25, 2006)
Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda (June 26, 2006-June 2008)

Further Resources:
Publications by Claudia Emerson in the Library's online catalog.

Next State >>>