Dr. Latorial Faison Appointed Poet Laureate of Virginia
Nov 3, 2026
RICHMOND, Va. - Nov. 2, 2026 - PRLog -- Acclaimed poet, author, and professor, Dr. Latorial Faison has been appointed Poet Laureate of Virginia.
Governor Abigail Spanberger announced the appointment Monday, July 20, 2026. Faison was sworn in on Wednesday, July 22nd. Faison will serve as the Commonwealth's chief ambassador for poetry, promoting literary arts and fostering appreciation for poetry across Virginia.
"It is a profound honor to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia as Poet Laureate," said Dr. Faison. "Poetry is a bridge between people, histories, and hopes. I look forward to sharing the power of poetry with Virginians of every generation and every community."
Faison's laureateship is grounded in the themes of culture, hope, legacy, and lineage, positioning poetry as both a civic practice and a cultural archive—one that speaks to Virginia's past, engages its present, and imagines its future.
Through statewide poetry events, educational and cultural initiatives, community partnerships, and diverse programs, Faison seeks to advance poetry as a tool for civic expression and engagement, human connection, historical understanding, and collective visioning, ensuring that poetry remains accessible, relevant, and transformative for all Virginians.
Faison is an award-winning poet, author, educator, and veteran US Army wife whose literary work has earned national recognition for its exploration of history and culture. A native of Southampton County, VA, she earned a BA in English with a minor in Religious Studies at UVA, a Master of Arts in English at Virginia Tech, and a Doctorate in Education at Virginia State University.
Faison is Assistant Professor of English and a former Department Chair in Virginia State University's Department of Languages & Literature. She is the author of numerous books of poetry, including Nursery Rhymes in Black, winner of the 2023 Permafrost Poetry Prize and a 2026 Virginia Literary Awards Finalist in Poetry. Her writing has appeared in journals and anthologies across the United States.
A former Virginia Humanities HBCU Fellow and Furious Flower Poetry Center Fellow, Dr. Faison has devoted her career to expanding access to literature while mentoring emerging writers and fostering literary communities throughout Virginia and beyond.
The Poet Laureate position celebrates Virginia's rich literary heritage while promoting the role of poetry in civic life, education, and cultural expression.
"Poetry belongs to everyone. My hope is that every Virginian will discover that poems not only tell our stories—they help us imagine the future we can create together." -Dr. Latorial Faison
VA State University: https://www.vsu.edu/news/2026/virginia-state-university-leaders-chosen-to-help-shape-the-future-of-the-commonwealth.php
VA Governor's Office: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/july-releases/name-1121498-en.html
The Poetry Society of Virginia: https://poetrysocietyofvirginia.org/2026/07/27/dr-latorial-faison-named-new-virginia-poet-laureate/
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: Cross Keys Press
Read Full Story - Dr. Latorial Faison Appointed Poet Laureate of Virginia | More news from this source
Press release distribution by PRLog
More News
Driven by A.I. Boom, Marvell and Lumentum Announce $115 Billion Merger
Marvell and Lumentum said they were combining, in a major bet on a technology, known as optical networking, that is increasingly being used in A.I. data centers.
Nostradamus' chilling prophecies fuel claims of financial ruin and deadly discovery in 2027
Nostradamus' centuries-old writings have been linked to a chilling vision of 2027. The French astrologer, who died in 1566, left behind cryptic passages that some say are clues to the future.
If hackers can take control of a supermarket freezer, how vulnerable is other tech?
Dozens of shops across European countries have been hit by a cyber-attack affecting their fridges.
Inside Anthropic’s Hunt for A.I. Computing Power
The company went on a deal spree with tech giants, former crypto miners and others to gain computing power to further its artificial intelligence ambitions.
Earthquake swarm rattles California region facing a 75% chance of a major quake
An earthquake swarm over several hours has been detected just miles from one of America's most dangerous fault lines, as the chances of a major disaster continue to rise.
The tattoo you can make INVISIBLE: Scientists develop futuristic ink that's only revealed with a UV flashlight
Whether it's a job interview or a wedding, there are often situations when you wish you could make your tattoos temporarily invisble. Now, scientists are a step closer to making that a reality.
AI must move beyond intelligence to offer wiser, ethical advice: Experts at IIT Ropar
Artificial intelligence (AI) must evolve beyond providing information to offering responsible, ethical and wiser advice, as growing dependence on the technology raises concerns over misleading responses, human decision-making and societal well-being, experts said.
Martian meteorite found in Sahara is 4.1 billion years old: What NASA-funded scientists discovered
The meteorite was named after the Teghaza salt plain in Mali, where it was discovered. It is among roughly 435 Martian meteorites identified on Earth and is considered one of the three most ancient samples of the Red Planet found so far.
Nothing OS 5.0 update based on Android 17, AI app builder, new Glyph features: Check rollout timeline, how to download
Nothing is expanding the stable rollout of Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, to the Phone (4a) Pro, Phone (4a), Phone (3a) Pro and Phone (3a). The update adds interface and personalization changes, performance improvements and AI-powered tools. Availability is phased by device, region & carrier.
An interspecies gay love story: Scientists discover an 'unusual sexual bond' between a bull and a male donkey
Scientists have discovered an 'unusual sexual bond' between a bull and a male donkey, with the animals repeatedly choosing each other - despite having plenty of females around them.
Deadly pufferfish washes up on Dorset beach - after sea creature is blown hundreds of miles off course
The exotic fish - which is extremely poisonous - was found by a free diver on the sand at Knoll Beach, Studland, Dorset.
What fireworks sound like to dogs: Audio reveals why Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations can be terrifying for pets - as their hearing is four times more sensitive
If you've ever wondered why your pooch turns into a trembling wreck the moment a firework goes off, a new audio simulation may finally provide the answer.
Recommended
Do Animals Grieve?
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.