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Award-winning poet named director of UA Poetry Center

Since it opened in 1960, the University of Arizona Poetry Center has had several directors guide the facility. Now, after a decade of distinguished service as director of the Poetry Center, Alison Deming has decided to return to teaching full time in the English department's creative writing program.

Fortunately, university students and faculty who have enjoyed the Poetry Center and all of its facets over the years need not worry too much - a formidable replacement has already been chosen.

"When we began this search, we worried that we would have a very difficult time finding a worthy replacement for Alison," said Larry Evers, head of the English department.

Jim Paul, who has been living and working in San Francisco for the past 18 years, has been named the new director, and will take the helm on Jan. 18, 2000.

Paul served on the development staff of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Mills College, and also taught at several universities. In a statement from the center, Paul said he is, "delighted to be chosen for this position. The Poetry Center is a wonderful institution - a treasured national resource ..."

Paul has published two books of poetry, two collections of nonfiction and two novels. His articles, book reviews, art criticism and feature articles have appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The San Francisco Chronicle, among others.

"In Jim Paul, we believe we have found not only a worth successor to Alison, but a fine artistic and administrative leader for the Poetry Center," Evers said.

Charles Tatum, dean of the College of Humanities said, "We feel extraordinarily lucky to have found a person with Jim's remarkable blend of experience and talents as the Poetry Center launches its campaign to raise funds for its much-needed facility."