Central Oregon poet, teacher, and author Ellen Waterston has been named Oregon’s Poet Laureate for the coming term. Waterston, recognized for her contributions to literature, has received numerous accolades including two WILLA awards and the Obsidian Prize for poetry. This year, she also earned the Holbrook and Soapstone awards.
Waterston founded the Writing Ranch in Central Oregon in 2000, dedicated to supporting writers. She played a key role in establishing the low-residency MFA program at Oregon State University, Cascades, where she now teaches. Her poetry frequently reflects the landscapes of Central Oregon. Currently, she is working on a new collection that will include commissioned pieces celebrating remote Western locations.
Waterston last spoke with us in 2020, following the release of her nonfiction book, “Walking in the High Desert.” She will now focus on her role as Poet Laureate, aiming to “kindle creativity and community” through poetry across Oregon in the next two years.