(Bismarck, ND) — North Dakota is announcing the newest Poet Laureate following a brief vacancy.
The North Dakota Council of the Arts says Dr. Denise Lajimodiere will be the state’s next Poet Laureate. Dr. Lajimodiere will serve a two-year term beginning July 2023 through June of 2025. She is a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa from Belcourt, North Dakota. She has served as an elementary teacher, principal, and professor; and has earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degree from the University of North Dakota. Dr. Lajimodiere is a retired associate professor from North Dakota State University’s School of Education.
The position of Poet Laureate promotes the reading, writing, and appreciation of poetry through public appearances and different teaching opportunities across North Dakota. Dr. Lajimodiere succeeds the previous Poet Laureate; Larry Wiowode, who passed away in the spring of 2022.
