Kathryn Stripling Byer: North Carolina poet, educator and first woman Poet Laureate (2005–2009)

Kathryn Stripling Byer (November 25, 1944 – June 5, 2017), often called Kay Byer, was an American poet and educator. Her work and teaching were based in North Carolina, and she served as the state’s Poet Laureate from 2005 until 2009 after being appointed by Governor Mike Easley. She was the first woman to hold that office.

Career

Byer was known for her poetry and for mentoring students and other writers. During her tenure as North Carolina Poet Laureate she promoted poetry across the state and represented the literary community in public programs and events.

Death

Kathryn Stripling Byer died on June 5, 2017, in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The cause of death was lymphoma, and she was 72 years old.