Bennington College Writer-in-Residence Named as Poet Laureate of the United States

Donald Hall—distinguished poet and writer-in-residence at Bennington College’s graduate writing program since 1994—received poetry’s highest and most illustrious honor, having been named the United States Poet Laureate by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. Accordingly, Hall will serve as “the nation's official lightning rod for the poetic impulse of Americans. [He will] seek to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.”

The United States Poet Laureate is an annual appointment made by the Librarian of Congress, who consults with former appointees, the current Laureate and distinguished poetry critics. Hall, the third member of the Bennington College community to serve as the nation’s Laureate, follows former Bennington College faculty members Stanley Kunitz who served from 1974-1976 and 2000-2001, and Howard Nemerov who served in 1963-1964 and 1988-1990.

President Elizabeth Coleman remarked, “We are deeply proud and thrilled that Donald Hall has been chosen as the U.S. Poet Laureate. It is a most fitting tribute to a man whose 60-year writing career has produced work that so clearly encapsulates the human experience. It is an honor for Bennington to share in the celebration of his esteemed work.”

Hall’s expansive career has included published work in nearly all genres, with more than 50 books of poetry, prose, drama, essays, and children’s books. His most recent work includes a memoir about his marriage with renowned poet Jane Kenyon, titled The Best Day the Worst Day: Life with Jane Kenyon (2005).

Marked with distinction, Hall has previously served as New Hampshire’s poet laureate (1984-1989), and has received multiple honors throughout his career including two Guggenheim fellowships, the Poetry Society of America’s Robert Frost Silver medal, a Lifetime Achievement award from the New Hampshire Writers and Publisher Project, and the Ruth Lilly Prize for poetry.

“Donald Hall is one of America's preeminent poets, men of letters and also a legend as a teacher and lecturer,” says Liam Rector, director of Bennington’s graduate writing program, “We've been very fortunate to have him as a writer-in-residence at the Bennington graduate Writing Seminars for the last 12 years. We are very proud to see him called to do very animate, intelligent, and up & at 'em work on the national stage.”