Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska State Poet, to Share Her Voice at UNK Event

Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers to Inspire at University of Nebraska at Kearney

November 5, 2025

Kearney, Nebraska – A dynamic voice in contemporary poetry, Jewel Rodgers, will grace the University of Nebraska at Kearney on November 17th for a free public event. The engagement, a collaboration between the Reynolds Visiting Writers Series and the Loper Programming and Activities Council, promises an evening of insightful conversation and captivating spoken word performance.

A Rising Star in Nebraska’s Literary Landscape

Rodgers, at 28 years old, holds the distinction of being the youngest individual and the first Black artist appointed as Nebraska State Poet. Her work masterfully blends Poetry with storytelling and a commitment to Community advocacy, resonating with audiences across the nation. According to UNK associate English professor Brad Modlin, attendees can anticipate a genuinely interactive performance – one designed to inspire movement and emotional connection.

achievements and Accolades

The acclaimed Poet has received the 2025 Academy of american Poets Fellowship and has been nominated three times for an Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award. she also proudly carries the legacy of her father, Johnny Rodgers, a celebrated Nebraska football legend and Heisman Trophy winner. Her performances have taken her to prominent stages including Park Avenue Armory’s “100 Years | 100 Women” and Omaha Opera’s “Amplifying the Black Experience” series. She actively supports developing talent through her work with the Nebraska Writers Collective’s “All Writes Reserved”.

multimedia Debut and Community Impact

Earlier this year,Rodgers released her debut poetry collection,a unique project that pairs her verses with striking photography from Omaha-based artists. Beyond her artistic pursuits, the Omaha native has demonstrated a commitment to urban renewal by spearheading projects that transform neglected areas into vibrant Community spaces and that benefit citizens.

Jewel Rodgers: A Profile

Here’s a rapid overview of Jewel Rodgers’ background:

Area	Details
Age	28
Title	Nebraska State Poet
Education	B.A. Business Administration (UNL),M.A. Real Estate Growth (NYU)
Notable Achievements	2025 Academy of American Poets Fellowship, Three-time Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award nominee.

Did You Know? The role of State Poet Laureate is increasingly recognized as a vital position for fostering literacy and cultural gratitude within a state.

Pro Tip: Attending literary events like these can be a fantastic way to discover new voices and connect with your local arts community.

Rodgers holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Arts degree in Real Estate Development from New York University. Her dedication extends beyond the arts, having been a driving force in community-based revitalization projects, where she transformed overlooked spaces into valuable public areas.

What role should poetry play in contemporary society?

How can we better support emerging artists like Jewel Rodgers?

The Enduring Power of State Poets

The position of State Poet Laureate has a rich history in the United states, evolving from a largely ceremonial role to one of active literary advocacy.Today,State Poets frequently enough lead workshops,give readings at schools and libraries,and serve as ambassadors for the arts within their respective states. The Poetry Foundation provides resources on the history and current activities of State Poets Laureate across the country.

Frequently Asked questions About Jewel Rodgers

• Who is Jewel Rodgers? Jewel Rodgers is the current Nebraska State Poet, appointed in 2025, and is the youngest and first Black artist to hold this position.
• Where can I see Jewel Rodgers perform? she will be appearing at the University of Nebraska at Kearney on November 17th.
• What kind of poetry does Jewel Rodgers write? Her work blends poetry, storytelling, and community advocacy and incorporates multimedia elements.
• Is the event at UNK free? Yes, the event is free and open to the public.
• what is the significance of the Nebraska State Poet position? The Nebraska State Poet serves as a cultural ambassador, promoting literacy and appreciation for the arts throughout the state.

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What impact does having a State Poet like Jewel Rodgers have on promoting poetry within Nebraska’s educational system?

A Celebration of Nebraska Poetry & Literary Arts

Jewel Rodgers, the current Nebraska State Poet, will be a featured guest at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) on November 12th, 2025. This event promises an enriching experience for students, faculty, and the wider Kearney community interested in poetry, creative writing, and the power of language. The visit underscores UNK’s commitment to fostering literary arts and providing platforms for prominent voices in the field.

Event Details & Schedule

The schedule for Jewel Rodgers’ visit is designed to maximize engagement and offer diverse opportunities to connect with her work.

* Poetry Reading & Q&A: November 12th, 7:00 PM, Fine Arts Recital Hall. This is the centerpiece of the event, offering attendees a chance to hear Rodgers perform her poetry and engage in a question-and-answer session. Expect a captivating performance showcasing her signature style and themes.

* Creative Writing Workshop: November 12th, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Copeland Hall. A limited-space workshop geared towards aspiring poets and writers. Participants will have the possibility to receive direct feedback from Rodgers on their work. Registration is required (details below).

* Classroom Visit: November 12th, 10:00 AM. Rodgers will be visiting a creative writing class, offering students insights into her poetic process and career path.

* Meet & Greet: Following the poetry reading, a meet-and-greet session will allow attendees to personally connect with Jewel Rodgers.

Who is Jewel Rodgers? – A Profile of Nebraska’s Poet Laureate

Jewel Rodgers was appointed Nebraska State Poet in 2023. Her work frequently explores themes of identity, community, and the natural world, frequently enough drawing inspiration from her experiences growing up in rural Nebraska.

* Published Works: Rodgers is the author of several acclaimed poetry collections, including “[Insert Actual Book Titles Here – Research Needed]”. Her poems have also appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies.

* Awards & Recognition: She has received numerous awards for her poetry, including [Insert Actual Awards Here – Research Needed]. This recognition highlights the quality and impact of her work within the literary community.

* Poetic Style: Rodgers’ poetry is known for its lyrical quality, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. She often employs free verse and explores innovative forms of poetic expression. Her work resonates with readers through its honesty and accessibility.

* Themes & Influences: Common themes in her poetry include the Great Plains landscape, family history, social justice, and the complexities of human relationships. Influences range from classic American poets like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson to contemporary voices shaping the modern poetic landscape.

The Importance of State Poets & Literary Events

The role of a state Poet is multifaceted. Beyond creating and sharing their own work, State Poets serve as ambassadors for poetry within their state, promoting literacy, fostering creative expression, and connecting communities through the power of language.

* Promoting Poetry Education: State Poets often conduct workshops and readings in schools, inspiring young people to engage with poetry.

* Raising awareness of Literary Arts: They advocate for funding and support for literary organizations and initiatives.

* Celebrating Nebraska’s Literary Heritage: Rodgers’ work helps to preserve and celebrate the rich literary traditions of Nebraska.

* Community Engagement: Events like the UNK visit provide opportunities for communities to come together and experience the transformative power of poetry.

Workshop Registration & Additional Information

The creative writing workshop with Jewel Rodgers requires pre-registration due to limited space.

* Registration Link: [Insert UNK Event Registration Link Here – Research Needed]

* Cost: [Insert Workshop Cost Here – Research Needed] (if applicable)

* Contact Information: For questions about the event, please contact the UNK Department of English at [Insert UNK English Department Contact Info Here – research Needed].

* UNK Events Calendar: Visit the UNK events calendar for the most up-to-date information: [Insert UNK Events Calendar Link Here – Research Needed]

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