Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins will visit Kent State as part of the Wick Poetry Center’s annual U.S. Poet Laureate Reading in celebration of National Poetry Month on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

Collins is the author of several poetry books. His works have also appeared in textbooks, anthologies and periodicals.

“The entire Wick staff is ecstatic to be hosting the venerable poet Billy Collins,” said Jessica Jewell, academic program coordinator for the Wick Poetry Center. “Not only is he a former U.S. Poet Laureate, but he is also a dedicated educator who has worked to bring poetry to people’s everyday lives.

The event is co-sponsored by University Libraries, with additional support from the Honors College, department of history and department of English.

Jewell said the event is special because it is the second annual U.S. Poet Laureate Reading, which has catalyzed support for poetry on the Kent State campus and surrounding community

Throughout the month of April, there will be a U.S Poet Laureate exhibit on display in the library.

“I think that most students will come away from the reading with a new experience of poetry,” Jewell said. “One that is full of life and insight.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Heather Kunkle is a student life reporter for the Daily Kent Stater Contact Heather Kunkle at [email protected].