William C. Kloefkorn, Professor Emeritus of English
25th Anniversary as Nebraska State Poet

Professor Emeritus of English Bill Kloefkorn was named Nebraska State Poet in 1982.  It's a position with no real job description, leaving Kloefkorn to write and represent good writing any way he sees fit.

He speaks all kinds of people, from elderly groups in writing classes to fourth graders in elementary classrooms.  From the older writers, Kloefkorn is reminded of the lens into memory that writing can provide.  From the youngsters, he is reenergized by their enthusiasm, honesty and excitement.

Kloefkorn, the "people's poet," believes that poetry must remain accessible.  He said, "Poems should not be simplistic, nor should they be sermons.  Poetry is for those who want to use their own minds to find answers.  It can challenge without being elitist or obscure.  "Bill grew up in a working class family in Kansas, and knows that poetry can make a difference to anyone, as long as it is written for everyone.

Kloefkorn draws influence for his own work from sources ranging from trees to children, baseball to pigs - but family most of all: his Wesleyan family; his extended family; Eloise, his wife of 50 plus years; his four children and 11 grandchildren.