Jewel Rodgers named Nebraska State Poet

Gov. Jim Pillen named Jewel Rodgers as Nebraska’s next state poet during a ceremony at the state capitol Monday.

Rodgers was selected as a finalist for the position by a committee from the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Library Commission and Humanities Nebraska. Pillen then reviewed the finalists' work and selected Rodgers after hearing her recite poetry.

“I've had the privilege of seeing her several different times, and all of a sudden, when she went into spoken word poetry, it just popped off the charts and I said, ‘Who is this woman? Holy cow,'” the governor said.

As state poet, Rodgers will serve a five-year term advocating for poetry, literature and literacy on the state’s behalf. She also hopes to use her role to amplify the work of other writers in the state.

“There are so many amazing writers that we don't know yet, that I don't even know yet," Rodgers said. "So with this platform as both a privilege and an opportunity, I intend to uplift as many Nebraska voices as possible.”

In front of a crowd in the Governor's Hearing Room Monday, Rodgers shared her spoken word poem, "Humble", which highlights the shortcomings of humility.

Rodgers is the first African American and youngest person to be named Nebraska State Poet. She will replace Matt Mason, who has served as Nebraska State Poet since 2019.

Pillen also gave Rodgers the title of Admiral of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, one of the state's highest civic honors.

Rodgers is the daughter of Husker football legend, Johnny Rodgers.