On June 30, 2019, the four-year term of South Dakota Poet Laureate Lee Ann Roripaugh will end. The SD State Poetry Society has been given the responsibility by SD statute 1-22-7 of nominating a candidate to the governor who will be appointed poet laureate. The term of office begins July 1, 2019. The new SD Poet Laureate will be celebrated at the 2019 Festival of Books in Deadwood and will serve until June 30, 2023. Candidates for the position must be residents of South Dakota and must have written and published poetry of recognized merit.

The SDSPS will accept applications for the position between November 1 and December 1, 2018.

Applicants should e-mail the following two documents as attachments to SDPLapplications@gmail.com:

  1. A letter of application to the SD State Poetry Society that outlines intended activities, projects, programs, and/or other ideas for the promotion and celebration of poetry across the state.
  2. A resumé or curriculum vitae.

In the body of your e-mail, send contact information, including telephone number, e-mail and mailing address.

For further information, contact SDSPS President, Bruce Roseland, (605) 436-6770 or bbroseland@venturecomm.net.