2012 Poetry Prize winner Tracy K. Smith has been appointed to a second term as United States Poet Laureate, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced on March 22. Smith is the 17th Pulitzer winner to hold the modern version of the position since its establishment in 1985. Other winners who have served two terms include Natasha Trethewey, Kay Ryan, Ted Kooser and Rita Dove.
As Poet Laureate, Smith has endeavored to bring poetry to rural communities. In a pilot project related to the initiative, Smith gave readings and led discussions in New Mexico, South Carolina and Kentucky. American Journal: Fifty Poems for Our Time, an anthology used by Smith in her outreach efforts, will be published by Graywolf Press in coordination with the Library in September.
"I am thrilled that Tracy K. Smith has accepted my invitation to continue sharing her poetry with the nation," Hayden said. "Her exchanges with Americans in small towns and rural communities are inspiring an appreciation of poetry and history — and remind us that poetry has value for all of our lives."
A 1994 graduate of Harvard University, Smith received her M.F.A. in poetry from Columbia University in 1997. Since 2005, she has taught at Princeton University, where she is Roger S. Berlind '52 Professor of the Humanities and Director of Creative Writing. Wade in the Water, her fourth volume of poetry, will be released by Graywolf on April 3.