In October 2004 Ted Kooser became the first poet from the Great Plains to be appointed Poet Laureate of the United States. He was reappointed in April 2005 for another year.

On making the appointment, Librarian of Congress James Billington said, "Ted Kooser is a major poetic voice for rural and small town America and the first Poet Laureate chosen from the Great Plains. His verse reaches beyond his native region to touch on universal themes in accessible ways."

A widely published and honored poet, Kooser retired from a career in the insurance industry while writing poetry "on the side." He is currently a visiting professor in the English department of the University of Nebraska.

For more information about Kooser and the office of Poet Laureate, see the Library of Congress website.