Poet Laureate of North Carolina Coming to RCC

A prolific writer, Poet Laureate of North Carolina, Joseph Bathanti, is the author of seven published books of poetry, two novels, a book of nonfiction, a collection of short stories and a collection of personal essays.  His various works have been received or been nominated for various awards including The National Book Award, Novello Literary Award, and Award for Creative Nonfiction.  In addition to awards for his individual works, Bathanti has received awards for his outstanding contributions to the fine arts in North Carolina, as well as his literary achievements, professional service and academic outreach.  Currently, he is Professor of Creative Writing at Appalachian State University in Boone where he is also Writer-in-Residence for the university’s Watauga Global Community and Director of Writing in the Field.