Arizona has a new voice to represent poetry across the state. Governor Katie Hobbs announced on Wednesday that Laura Tohe, a respected writer and educator, has been named the new Arizona poet laureate. The appointment marks a historic moment, as Tohe becomes only the second person to hold this title since the role was created.
The Arizona poet laureate position began in 2012. It is selected by the governor and serves as a public role. The goal is to promote American poetry, encourage new writers, and help people across Arizona learn more about literary voices that shaped the state. The role also aims to bring poetry into schools, libraries, and local communities.
Laura Tohe takes over the role after the state’s first poet laureate completed two terms between 2014 and 2018. With this appointment, Arizona continues its effort to support creative expression and public storytelling through literature.
Governor Hobbs praised Tohe’s long career and deep connection to Arizona. She said Tohe’s writing reflects the heart and history of the state. The governor also highlighted Tohe’s ability to inspire young writers and future artists through her words and teaching.
Tohe said she feels honored and grateful for the appointment. She shared that her love for storytelling began in a rural community on the Navajo Nation. While she grew up surrounded by stories, she did not begin writing poetry until after college. She said she never imagined receiving such recognition.
She described poetry as a living art form that celebrates human experience through language and reflection. Tohe said she is especially excited to support poetry in Arizona’s rural areas, where access to arts programs can be limited. She called the role a rare and exciting opportunity.
Laura Tohe was born in Fort Defiance, Arizona. She grew up speaking both Diné bizaad, the Navajo language, and English. This bilingual background shaped her writing voice and her focus on identity, history, and memory. Her work often explores Native experience, place, and cultural survival.
She spent 24 years teaching in the English department at Arizona State University. She retired in 2018 but remains active in literary and cultural events. Before this new role, she served as poet laureate of the Navajo Nation from 2015 to 2019. That experience helped her build strong connections with communities across Arizona.
Colleagues describe Tohe as a dedicated and generous presence in the humanities community. Even after retirement, she continued to support events and engage with students and writers. Many praise her poetry for its clarity, emotion, and deep sense of place.
Tohe’s writing has reached readers far beyond Arizona. Her work has appeared in national and international publications. One of her best-known books is an oral history focused on Navajo Code Talkers and their families. The book preserves personal stories tied to a key part of American history.
Her career includes many honors. She has received lifetime achievement recognition from Native literary groups and fellowships from major poetry organizations. She has also earned awards for public scholarship and teaching. In addition, she has been nominated multiple times for major literary prizes. She holds a doctoral degree in creative writing and literature.
The selection process involved public nominations. A committee reviewed all candidates and evaluated their experience, impact, and community work. Members of the panel noted Tohe’s strong leadership, her teaching background, and her success as a published writer. They also valued her long history of working with communities throughout the state.
Under state law, the Arizona poet laureate serves a two-year term. During this time, Tohe will hold public readings in different regions of Arizona. She will also work on a major literary project designed to engage residents and expand interest in poetry.
With her appointment, Arizona gains a poet whose life and work reflect the state’s diversity, history, and creative spirit.
