Hickory, North Carolina is about to have its poetry scene greatly enhanced with the appointment of its first ever Poet Laureate, a role bestowed upon professor and prolific poet Scott Owens, as announced by the City of Hickory Library Advisory Board. Owens, who has an impressive background with more than 20 published collections to his name, will start his tenure on January 1, 2026.
Currently teaching at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Owens is no stranger to the spotlight; his work has been recognized by a variety of esteemed institutions including the Academy of American Poets and has even been featured in the Pushcart Prize Anthology. A mainstay in the Hickory community, Owens along with his wife, Julie, runs the local Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse and Gallery. He's also dedicated nearly two decades to coordinating Poetry Hickory, indicative of his commitment to fostering creative expression in the area.
The city's announcement comes with plans to hold a public reception honoring the new Poet Laureate at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library on December 18, at 6:30 p.m. This program is not just a title; it represents a commitment to celebrating Hickory's rich cultural fabric and encouraging the arts within the community.
In his new capacity, Owens is expected to participate in community-centric activities that include public readings, outreach programs, and even speaking events at both holiday celebrations and other community gatherings. His term will last two years, concluding in 2027, and it's clear that Owens' influence on local culture is marked to grow even more profound during this time.
