Morris will direct Writers in the Library series for third year
UT Libraries is pleased to announce that RB Morris will continue as the Jack E. Reese Writer in Residence for the 2006-2007 academic year. This is Morris’ third year in residence at the UT Libraries.
“It has been a great and unexpected honor to serve as the Jack E. Reese Writer in Residence at the University of Tennessee Libraries,” Morris said.
The libraries provide an office and computer for the writer in residence, as well as access to library materials and a small stipend. In his first two years in residency, Morris has prepared two books for publication and written a play, which he is now working to produce.
During his tenure, Morris has worked tirelessly organizing one of the libraries’ most successful events, the Writers in the Library Reading series. His involvement with the series has been one of the most fulfilling parts of the job, Morris said. Since he began at UT in 2004, Writers in the Library has featured Pulitzer Prize-winning poets Ted Kooser and Charles Wright, National Book Award nominee Elizabeth Gilbert, and poet-rockers David Olney and Steve Earle.
“Being a part of the Writers in the Library series, I’ve watched the connection grow between UT and the local, regional and national literary scene. I believe this is very much in the great legacy of Dr. Reese and I’m proud to have been a part of that,” Morris continued.
The Writers in the Library reading series will begin on September 25 with author Tom House. The series will celebrate its seventh year with readings from notable authors such as Pulitzer Prize-winner Yusef Komunyakaa and Pulitzer nominee Vivian Shipley.
“RB has made such a positive contribution to the libraries, the campus, and the local literary community. His enthusiasm is palpable, and his energy has attracted diverse readers and audiences to Writers in the Library. We are so pleased that he has agreed to stay for a third year,” Barbara Dewey, Dean of Libraries, said.
“I’m looking forward to a third and final year with a lot of excitement and anticipation,” Morris said.