Governor Mark Dayton announced Joyce Sutphen, a college professor who lives in Chaska, will serve as the state's next poet laureate.
Sutphen is the second person to hold that official position, which the Legislature created in 2007. She replaces Robert Bly, who then-Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed.
TIM PUGMIRE: Dayton appointed Joyce Sutphen is Minnesota's primary supporter and promoter of poetry. Sutphen is a published and award-winning poet who teaches literature and creative writing at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.
During a State Capitol news conference, Sutphen said one of her goals is to organize events that bring together poets from around the state.
JOYCE SUTPHEN: Find ways to bring poetry to more readers and looking for ways to celebrate the amazing variety of voices we have in this state.
TIM PUGMIRE: Sutphen succeeds Robert Bly who was named the state's first official poet laureate in 2007 shortly after the legislature created the position. Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio news at the Capitol.