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WT Professor Emeritus to Read for Dorothy Patterson Poetry Series
Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu
CANYON, Texas — Claudia Stuart, West Texas A&M University professor emeritus of sociology and criminal justice, will share her latest works of poetry during a special Zoom reading.
Stuart is the second poet to be featured in Dorothy Patterson Poetry Series, established in 2020 and named for a prominent Amarillo philanthropist and longtime donor to WT.
The reading will begin at 7 p.m. March 17. Attendees can email Dr. Eric Meljac, assistant professor of English and director of creative writing, at emeljac@wtamu.edu for more information.
“Dorothy and (husband) Don are tremendous people and dear friends, and I am deeply honored to be asked to read in this series,” Stuart said.
Stuart will read selections from her 15th book, “Poetry, Prose and Penguins.”
“I can’t say I remember when I met Claudia. I feel like I have always known her, and I think her poetry is why,” Meljac said. “It is firm yet gentle. Assertive but kind. And above all, it is gracious to the reader, for it inspires greatness in the reader. I know I’m better for reading and hearing Claudia’s work. And that’s why I feel like I’ve always somehow known her.”
Stuart said everyday life fuels her creativity.
“My poems have a lot to do with people and events, things that are happening around the world that have people’s attention,” she said. “Whatever I’m feeling goes down in words. I love to take the reader on a journey with me.”
Stuart holds a master’s degree in social science and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from WT. She also is a licensed master social worker and holds a master certification in criminal justice administration.
Cultivating an appreciation for the arts is an important aspect of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
About West Texas A&M University
WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 40 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.
—WTAMU—