Governor names Plumly, educator and author, as poet laureate

Gov. Martin O’Malley announced his appointment of Stanley Plumly, a University of Maryland Distinguished University Professor of English, as the state’s ninth poet laureate, at an Annapolis reception, Oct. 1.

“We are fortunate to have Stanley Plumly, one of our nation’s most critically acclaimed poets, as Maryland’s new poet laureate,” said Gov. O’Malley. “Poetry has the ability to give voice to those experiences, feelings and ideas that are most meaningful and most important to our Maryland citizens and I look forward to working with him as he travels around our state to share his gift.”

Plumly is the founder of the graduate-level creative writing program at the University of Maryland. He is the author of ten books of poetry, including Old Heart, which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2007. He has also received eight Pushcart Prizes, among other awards.

Gov. O’Malley selected Plumly from a list of recommendations made by the Poet Laureate Selection Committee, chaired by Alice McDermott, a well-known author and Maryland resident. “Poetry reminds us that our language, so often abused and misused, is also a great gift that can inspire, sustain and unite,” McDermott said.

Maryland has had eight poet laureates prior to Plumly since the position was established by the General Assembly in 1959. In order of service, they are: Maria B. Coker, Vincent Godfrey Burns, Lucille Clifton, Reed Whittemore, Linda Pastan, Roland Flint, Michael Collier, and most recently, Michael S. Glaser.

In 2004, the Maryland State Arts Council developed a selection process that allowed state citizens to submit nominations.

WYPR radio hosts Plumly on morning show, Oct. 12

The new poet laureate, Stanley Plumly, will be a guest on WYPR (88.1 FM) radio’s Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast, Monday, Oct. 12, 9-10 a.m. A link to the interview will be posted on the Arts Council site after the broadcast.

Poets and scholars to honor Plumly

The University of Maryland’s Center for Literary and Comparative Studies and the Department of English will host A Celebration of Stanley Plumly and Poetry, Oct. 29-30.