Lee Herrick, California’s 10th Poet Laureate
It is a great honor to share that Fresno City College’s, Lee Herrick, has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsome to serve as California’s 10 th Poet Laureate. The announcement was posted to the Governor’s website this morning.
“On behalf of State Center Community College District, we congratulate our colleague, Lee Herrick. We are all thrilled for Fresno City College’s Lee Herrick’s appointment by Governor Newsom to be California Poet Laureate. We know that his eloquent body of work and passionate dedication has inspired students and transformed their lives. I know that Lee will continue to advocate, support and celebrate poetry as it is essential to preserving our state’s rich history for future generations to come,” shared Chancellor Carole Goldsmith, who had the opportunity to be on hand last week when Governor Newsom and First Partner, Jen Siebel Newsom, stopped by Fresno City College to share the good news with Lee.
According to the Governor’s announcement, “The California Poet Laureate is charged with advocating for poetry in classrooms and boardrooms across the state, inspiring an emerging generation of literary artists, and educating all Californians about the many poets and authors who have influenced our state through creative literary expression. Over the course of a two-year term, the Poet Laureate provides public readings in urban and rural locations across California, educates civic and state leaders about the value of poetry and creative expression and undertakes a significant cultural project, with one of its goals being to bring poetry to students who might otherwise have little opportunity to access it.”
Over his 25 years as an English faculty member at Fresno City College, Lee has educated thousands of students and advanced awareness of and appreciation for literary arts and humanities within the community. He was also previously selected by the Fresno Arts Council as the Poet Laureate for the City of Fresno, serving in that role for two years and inspiring young people to express themselves through writing.
Congratulations, Lee! We are honored by your continued service to Fresno City College, our students, our District, our community and now the entire state of California.
