Dr. Francine Ringold

Dr. Francine Ringold of Tulsa was named Oklahoma Poet Laureate for the 2003-2005 term by Governor Brad Henry and reappointed for a second term to run 2005-2007.

“Dr. Ringold is a gifted poet and a wonderful representative of Oklahoma's tradition in the arts,” Governor Henry said. “It is my pleasure to select her to serve as the Poet Laureate of Oklahoma.”

Ringold is a professor in the English and Theatre departments at the University of Tulsa and Editor-in-Chief of Nimrod, The International Journal of Prose and Poetry. In addition to her position at TU, she has taught at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and the Tulsa Center for the Physically Limited.

Her poetry has been published in several journals, including the Laurel Review, Puerto del Sol, Encounters and Saturday’s Women. Along with her professional accomplishments, Ringold has brought poetry to the Tulsa community through writing and producing literary radio programs and organizing events for National Poetry month.

“Surely, to be appointed Poet Laureate is an honor but it is most of all a responsibility and challenge,” Ringold said. “It affords me the opportunity to do something good for poetry, and for Oklahoma.”