Selection of the State Poet Laureate
The State Poet Laureate program is facilitated by the Oklahoma Humanities Council on behalf of the Governor. It is an honorary position (usually a two-year term) that recognizes the accomplishments of an Oklahoma resident in the field of poetry.
Nominations for State Poet Laureate are made by writing groups, poetry societies, and other cultural organizations. The nomination review committee, appointed by OHC, reviews submissions and makes recommendations to the Governor, who then makes the official appointment.
Eddie D. Wilcoxen, Oklahoma State Poet Laureate, 2011-2012
Eddie Wilcoxen is a career radio broadcaster with a popular morning show on KWHW in Altus. He has written seven volumes of poetry and one non-fiction work. His newest book, Faith, Hope and Poetry, is scheduled for a February release.
Wilcoxen is widely recognized for landscape design; his home gardens were featured in Oklahoma Gardener magazine. He is also a three-time national karate champion and established “Kihido Karate,” a character-building curriculum emphasizing personal responsibility as the key to personal success. In 1996 he was designated an “Official Olympic Hero” and chosen to carry the Olympic Torch on its historic journey across the United States to Atlanta, Georgia.
Eddie Wilcoxen Appearances
Application for Appearances [Click to download application]
Requests for Poet Laureate appearances must be made in writing on the attached application form. For information on arranging an appearance, contact Kelly Elsey, Program Associate.
Links to Additional Resources
Poetry by Eddie Wilcoxen
Eddie Wilcoxen Website
Past Poets Laureate