The Journal

Issue date: 3/18/10 Section: News

Media Credit: REBECCA CLARK David Clewell poses in his office in Pearson house. He was selected as Missouri's second Poet Laureate on March 3.

David Clewell, professor in the English department, is Missouri's new Poet Laureate. The Webster University English professor was announced as the state's official poet in a ceremony in Jefferson City, Mo., March 3.

Clewell has been teaching at WU since 1981 and is the second Poet Laureate of the state, an appointment lasting two years. As part of his position, he will travel the state and make public appearances at schools and public libraries. Clewell is also required to write one official poem dedicated to Missouri.

"You don't have to spend very long with David Clewell, or his poetry, to know that he has a unique perspective on contemporary American life and the characters and ideas that loom large in our recent history," said Gov. Jay Nixon in the announcement. "David's wry humor, tart social commentary and accessible style give his poetry a broad appeal. He also brings a passion for teaching literature and will help expose a new generation of Missourians not only to his fine work but to the work of great American poets from Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson to Missouri's own Mark Twain."

If looks alone were enough to become Missouri's Poet Laureate, Clewell would have been a shoo-in. But his erudite appearance comes with substance. Along with being published in magazines such as Harper's, Clewell has also published numerous book-length poems and won prestigious poetry awards.

"Webster University is honored to be the home of Missouri's new Poet Laureate, Professor David Clewell," said WU President Elizabeth Stroble in a statement. "As a valued member of Webster's distinguished faculty and director of our creative writing program, Professor Clewell works directly with Webster students studying 19th and 20th century literature and participating in poetry workshops. Recognized for the quality of his poetry that has enjoyed wide publication, Professor Clewell evidences Webster's commitment to serving and strengthening communities through his workshops, discussions and readings provided for K-12 students and teachers and community groups."

As Missouri's Poet Laureate, he sees his role less as a standard-bearer and more as an enabler, somebody who can make poetry accessible to the general population.

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