Mayor Eric Johnson announced Wednesday morning to appoint Mag Gabbert, Ph.D. as the new Poet Laureate for the City of Dallas.
The Poet Laureate program is an initiative to raise awareness and appreciation of reading and writing poetry. Dr. Gabbert would work with the Dallas Public Library and the city's Office of Arts and Culture to bring initiatives to life.
She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies at SMU. Dr. Gabbert also teaches doctoral and master's courses at SMU's Simmons School of Education.
“SMU is proud to have Dr. Gabbert on our faculty and delighted that she will be able to share her considerable talents with the City of Dallas,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “In an age where social media tends to drive us to instant reactions, poetry gives us a reason to slow down and think. It’s a great gift that she shares with us.”
The Dean of SMU's Simmons School of Education, Dr. Stephanie Knight, also came to the press conference hosting the announcement to show SMU's support. While SMU representatives show gratitude towards the announcement, Dr. Gabbert is also excited for a "thrill of a lifetime." You can learn more about her here.
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