The Texas State Legislature has appointed award-winning poet and University of Houston English professor Kevin Prufer as the Texas State Poet Laureate for 2026, one of the state’s highest honors for excellence in the arts.
“I am delighted and surprised to be appointed the Texas poet laureate. Nobody writes poetry for recognition, but it’s always nice when you realize all those nights spent writing upstairs in the dark had an impact on people. I’m glad for that, and for being able to contribute to the state’s rich artistic tradition.”
-Kevin Prufer, UH Professor and Texas State Poet Laureate
Prufer, who leads the Creative Writing Program in the UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, has written several books of poetry and has received many accolades, including the 2024 Rilke Prize, a Pulitzer Prize long-list finalist designation, a “New York Times Ten Best Poetry Books of the Year” selection and several “Best American Poetry” selections, Pushcart prizes and awards from the Poetry Society of America. His work has been translated into several languages and appears widely in the American literary press, including “The New Republic,” “Poetry,” “The Paris Review” and others.
“Kevin Prufer’s creative influence extends far beyond our Creative Writing classrooms – his appointment as Texas State Poet Laureate is certainly proof of that,” said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “All of us at the University of Houston are proud of his latest achievement. Professor Prufer inspires our students on campus, and we are thrilled that he will be able to inspire future poets across the state.”
In 1933, the 43rd Texas Legislature authorized the appointment of a committee by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to find Texas citizens worthy of the designation of Texas State Artist, including a poet laureate, classical and non-classical musicians, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists. The Texas Commission on the Arts issues a public call for nominations in even-numbered years and submits a list of finalists to the legislative committee. The Texas Legislature officially designates the artists during the following year’s legislative session.
“Professor Prufer’s appointment as the state’s poet laureate is a testament to his profound contributions to creative writing and literature,” said Dan O’Connor, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at UH. “His work not only enriches our university community but enriches the cultural landscape of Texas, and beyond. We are immensely proud of his accomplishments and the recognition he brings to the University.”
While honored by the appointment, Prufer says he is equally proud of his role as teacher and mentor to the next generation of poets.
“The University of Houston has the best creative writing program in the country,” Prufer said. “I’ve seen so many of my graduate students go on to publish books and gain some acclaim. My undergraduate students, while not always pursuing poetry professionally, grow almost from the first day in the classroom. What could be more rewarding than that?”