Poet Laureate

Michael Collier, a Catonsville poet who directs the creative writing program at the University of Maryland, College Park, was sworn in as the state's poet laureate on April 17, 2001.

In making the selection, the Governor called Mr. Collier "one of Maryland's treasures, a distinguished scholar who is respected by his peers, his students, and the public for the richness of his craft."

We have only one poet laureate at a time. He or she is appointed by the governor to a three-year term. They earn no money--we hope they're satisfied with lots of honor. Their job is to promote poetry by taking it to the people. One of the possible activities for a poet laureate might be visiting schools throughout the state spreading his love of poetry, and visiting students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to understand the value of poetry.