KC Reporter

Governor Mike Kehoe has appointed Justin Hamm of Mexico, Missouri, as the state's Poet Laureate for the 2025-2027 term. Hamm is currently a school librarian at Eugene Field Elementary and has authored five poetry books. His work often reflects Missouri's people and landscapes and has been featured in national journals and anthologies.

In addition to his writing, Hamm is known for his photography. His hybrid poetry and photography exhibit toured the Midwest from 2018 to 2020. He holds a bachelor's degree in English from MacMurray College and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Southern Illinois University.

Upon his appointment, Hamm stated, "I'm deeply honored to be named the next Poet Laureate of Missouri. I look forward to serving the people of this state and repaying poetry for the countless ways it has shaped and steadied my life. For years I've tried to let my poems testify that Missouri is a place rich in story and worthy of literary attention. As Poet Laureate, I hope to uplift the voices of our state's poets higher, and to remind everyday Missourians that poetry isn't some distant art but a living thing—and it belongs to anyone with a heart that yearns for connection."

The Missouri Poet Laureate program was established in 2008 by the Missouri Arts Council. The program aims to promote poetry across schools, communities, and cultural spaces through public appearances, readings, workshops, and digital outreach.

Hamm's two-year term will begin on October 1, 2025, succeeding David L. Harrison of Springfield who served from July 2023 through September 2025. The selection process involved public nominations reviewed by previous Poets Laureate including David L. Harrison, Maryfrances Wagner, Karen Craigo, Aliki Barnstone, William Trowbridge, and Walter Bargen.

The Missouri Arts Council supports nonprofit organizations with grants focused on engaging people in arts experiences, supporting economic growth through the arts sector, and strengthening education via arts programs throughout Missouri communities (https://www.missouriartscouncil.org/). The Council also offers expertise in areas such as community development and fundraising.

Founded in 1965 as a state agency under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Missouri Arts Council receives funding from sources including the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the council or its programs visit www.missouriartscouncil.org.