Emory Luminary Jericho Brown Named Chancellor Of Academy Of American Poets

Emory University's Jericho Brown has been appointed to the esteemed Board of Chancellors of the Academy of American Poets.

Emory University’s distinguished Charles Howard Candler Professor of English and Creative Writing, Jericho Brown, has been appointed to the esteemed Board of Chancellors of the Academy of American Poets, according to Emory News Center. The academy, now celebrating its 90th year, has seen over 125 revered poets, such as Elizabeth Bishop, Rita Dove, and Adrienne Rich, serve as chancellors, playing pivotal roles as artistic advisers, poetry ambassadors, and judges for the academy’s significant literary awards.

Brown, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, joins the current 15-member board alongside newly appointed chancellors Diane Seuss and Afaa Michael Weaver. The diverse board comprises influential poets like Natalie Diaz, Joy Harjo, and Tracy K. Smith, all of which bring poetic wisdom and experience to guide the academy’s initiatives.

Tess O’Dwyer, chair of the Academy’s Board of Directors, expressed pride in the diversity of voices within its leadership, stating, “Everything we do as an academy is enhanced by the collective wisdom of our chancellors.” O’Dwyer continued, “We celebrate the contributions these newly elected chancellors have made to poetry, on and beyond the page, across the nation and the world.”

Jericho Brown, whose groundbreaking work includes the Pulitzer Prize-winning collection The Tradition, has introduced innovative poetic forms such as the “duplex.” His literary achievements also include the American Book Award-winning debut, Please, and Anisfield-Wolf Book Award recipient The New Testament.

Acknowledged with prestigious honors like the Whiting Writers’ Award and fellowships from the Academy of American Poets, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, Brown’s impact on the world of poetry extends beyond his written words. Since joining Emory University’s faculty in 2012, he has directed its acclaimed Creative Writing Program, shaping the next generation of poets. This spring, will serve as the program’s interim director as well as lead an advanced poetry workshop for undergraduates.