Governor Kevin Stitt has chosen Cyril cowboy poet Jay Snider as the 2023-2024 Oklahoma State Poet Laureate.
“It is an honor to appoint Jay Snider as the 2023-2024 Oklahoma State Poet Laureate,” said Stitt. “Jay is a creative and talented Oklahoman, who has combined his love for our state and western heritage with his passion for poetry, and I look forward to this cowboy poet carrying on Oklahoma’s tradition and sharing his talent across the state.”
Snider is a recording artist and has made several appearances around the country for cowboy poetry. He is a horse and cattle rancher.
“It is an extreme honor to have been considered for the appointment of Oklahoma Poet Laureate,” said Snider. “The great state of Oklahoma has a rich history, and much of our heritage has been passed down through generations as oral history and through the writings of great authors. I have been fascinated by the storytellers of the past, the “Old Timers,” if you will. I felt the need to listen to those stories and hopefully keep them alive. Often, when the “Old Timers” are gone, the stories are gone. Poetry has helped keep the old stories alive. Through the Oklahoma Poet Laureate position, I can continue to promote all types of poetry and storytelling in the great state of Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples congratulated Snider on the appointment.
“Oklahomans everywhere will connect with Jay’s poetry and stories as someone who fully embodies the spirit of the American West and cowboy way of life. Jay has received numerous recognitions throughout his years of writing, recording, and presenting poetry, but perhaps most compelling is how highly he came recommended by many people across the state. We look forward to working with Jay as we offer funding to schools and organizations interested in bringing the Oklahoma State Poet Laureate to their community.”
Snider will succeed outgoing State Poet Laureate Joe Kreger.
