To: OSU Community members
From: Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President
Date: March 6, 2018
Dear OSU community members,
I am pleased to announce that longtime Oregon State faculty member David Biespiel, a major voice in 21st century American writing, has been named the university’s first poet-in-residence. A poet, memoirist and literary critic, David’s appointment will highlight and celebrate the university’s contributions to the genre of poetry.
David will continue to be based in the School of Writing, Literature and Film in the College of Liberal Arts, where he has been a poetry instructor in the creative writing program since 2001, teaching undergraduate and graduate students. As poet-in-residence, he will promote poetry in the community and beyond through poetry events; undertake special projects around National Poetry Month, celebrated each April; and more.
The nationally ranked MFA in creative writing in the School of Writing, Literature and Film is one of OSU’s most selective graduate programs. Our creative writing faculty have authored over 40 books and received many prestigious honors, such as a Guggenheim Award, the National Jewish Book Award, the Poetry Foundation’s award for best poetry of the year, and the Whiting Award, which recognizes the nation’s top 10 emerging writers. The School also hosts the Stone Award for Literary Achievement, which has recognized winners that include, among others, Joyce Carol Oates and Rita Dove.
I invite you to a celebration of David’s new role, as well as the history of poetry at OSU, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 16, in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center. The event will begin with a reception followed by a reading, book signing and exhibit of poetry at OSU.
Please help me congratulate David. We are fortunate to have him at OSU, and we take great pride in counting him among an impressive group of OSU artists and writers who are helping elevate Oregon State to new heights.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President