Former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo will read from her works and participate in an interview with distinguished Central College alumnus, former NBC Today Show and CBS reporter, and current Central Executive-in-Residence Harry Smith at Central’s Writers Reading on Monday. 

Harjo was the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate and only the second poet to be appointed a third term in the role. A member of the Mvskoke Nation, Harjo was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and left home to attend high school at the Institute of American Indian Arts, a Bureau of Indian Affairs school at the time. She began writing poetry as a member of the University of New Mexico’s Native student organization, the Kiva Club, in response to Native empowerment movements. Harjo later earned her MFA at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and has taught English, creative writing, and American Indian studies at several universities. She also performs music and poetry nationally and internationally.

Harjo’s accolades include the 2024 Frost Medal from the Poetry Society of America. She is the author of 10 books of poetry including three award-winning children’s books. She currently lives on the Muscogee Nation Reservation in Oklahoma, and she serves as the inaugural Artist-in-Residence of Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center.

Smith played a key role in bringing the world-renowned poet to Pella as part of his executive-in-residence commitment. Reconnecting with his Central roots, Smith is sharing his expertise while also enriching the campus with a unique cultural experience. He will introduce Harjo, and after her reading, Smith will welcome questions from the audience. Harjo will sign books after the program.

The public is invited to the Writers Reading at 7 pm on Monday in Douwstra Auditorium on Central’s campus.