The City of Hickory Poet Laureate Program, managed by the City of Hickory Library Advisory Board, promotes literature and a communal appreciation of poetry within the city. The program celebrates the rich culture of Hickory and Catawba County while fostering artistic expression and community engagement with literacy and literature.

Scott Owens - 2026-2027 Poet Laureate

Scott Owens is the first City of Hickory Poet Laureate, appointed for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

With degrees from Ohio University, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Greensboro, Owens has been recognized by the Academy of American Poets, the Pushcart Prize Anthology, the Next Generation/Indie Lit Awards, the NC Writers Network, the NC Poetry Society, and the Poetry Society of SC. Learn more about his career and writing at www.scottowenspoetry.com.

A longtime Hickory, NC resident, Owens is the co-owner with his wife, Julie, of Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse and Gallery, and has coordinated Poetry Hickory for 19 years.

Owens’ duties include participating in public readings, leading outreach programs, and speaking at holiday events and community gatherings.

Contact

For more information about the Poet Laureate program, contact Briauna Kisch at 828-304-0500 x7282 or poetlaureate@hickorync.gov.