Bluefield College professor and author Dr. Rob Merritt will offer a reading of poetry and discussion from his book, The Language of Longing, Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Preservation Center in Wytheville.
Admission for the event, which will include a reception prior to the reading and discussion, is $5 per person, and reservations are required by calling 276-223-3330.
Dr. Merritt, a professor of English and dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Bluefield College, published his book of poetry in 2012. The Language of Longing is a collection of poems about perseverance, travels, and the things that matter most in life. Published by Old Seventy Creek Press, the book is Dr. Merritt’s second. He also published a poetry collection called Landscape Architects in 2010.
Dr. Merritt has presented his works and views on writing extensively, not only locally, but regionally. Among a number of presentations for the National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT), he led a workshop on the use of writing in therapy. In fact, he was recognized by the NAPT with a Distinguished Service Award for his “vision,” “grace,” and “humility.” He has also served the NAPT as an officer and member of its Executive Council.
In addition, Dr. Merritt has presented at the Appalachian Studies Conference, served as a member of the executive committee of the Virginias Collegiate Honors Council, attended a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar in Ireland, and participated in an Appalachian College Association Institute for Latino Student Success.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Merritt serves Bluefield College as faculty advisor for the student literary magazine, The Bluestone Review, the Honors Program, and the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. He has also taught classes in China as part of BC’s academic exchange program with the Jiangsu Second Normal University.
For more information about Dr. Merritt’s reading and discussion at the Heritage Preservation Center (115 West Spiller Street, Wytheville, VA) or to make reservations for the event, please call 276-223-3330.