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The Texas State Legislature has named Kevin Prufer, an award-winning poet and University of Houston English professor, as the Texas State Poet Laureate for 2026. This honor recognizes excellence in the arts within the state.
Prufer expressed his surprise and delight at the appointment, stating, "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."
Prufer leads the Creative Writing Program at UH's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. He is a prolific author with numerous accolades, including winning the 2024 Rilke Prize and being a Pulitzer Prize long-list finalist. His works have been featured in notable publications such as “The New Republic,” “Poetry,” and “The Paris Review.”
Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, commented on Prufer's influence: "Kevin Prufer’s creative influence extends far beyond our Creative Writing classrooms – his appointment as Texas State Poet Laureate is certainly proof of that." She added that everyone at UH is proud of his achievement.
The process of appointing a Texas State Artist began in 1933 when a committee was authorized by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to select worthy citizens. The Texas Commission on the Arts issues calls for nominations every two years, with final designations made during legislative sessions.
Dan O’Connor, dean of UH's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, praised Prufer's contributions: "Professor Prufer’s appointment as the state’s poet laureate is a testament to his profound contributions to creative writing and literature."
Despite this recognition, Prufer values his role as an educator highly. He remarked on his teaching experiences: "The University of Houston has the best creative writing program in the country... What could be more rewarding than that?"