Ellen Waterston began her second term as the 11th Oregon Poet Laureate in August 2026.
The Oregon Poet Laureate fosters the art of poetry, encourages literacy and learning, addresses central issues relating to humanities and heritage, and reflects on public life in Oregon.
Gov. Tina Kotek appointed High Desert author Ellen Waterston to a second two-year term as Poet Laureate in April 2026.
More information is available:
During her second term, Ellen Waterston looks forward to prioritizing the state’s tribal communities and the thirteen counties she didn’t have the opportunity to visit to during her first term. In addition, she will continue advocating for P!PP (Poetry in Public Places) and readying an anthology of poems by students across the state for publication in 2028. Check the appearances page for more information.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust, investing in Oregon’s arts, culture, humanities and heritage. Oregon Humanities administers the program, and can answer questions at oregonpoetlaureate@oregonhumanities.org.
Ellen Waterston