Dr. Kevin Stein Honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois

by Trish Blattenberger

Caterpillar Professor of English and Illinois Poet Laureate Dr. Kevin Stein has been inducted as a Laureate into the Order of Lincoln by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.  Established in 1964, this independent, non-partisan award recognizes individuals whose achievements have brought honor to the State of Illinois; it is the state’s highest award for professional achievement and public service.  "For over three decades, Dr. Stein's outstanding teaching, prolific and inspiring creative works, and tremendous service have brought great honor and distinction to our college and university," remarked Dr. Christopher Jones, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.  "I am very pleased the Lincoln Academy and the State of Illinois have granted Kevin the honor and distinction that he so richly deserves."

According to Dr. Thomas F. Schwartz, Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and the Illinois State Historian from 1993-2011, “Lincoln appreciated the power of ‘living histories’ as a source of wisdom and inspiration for future generations.”  This award recognizes “the living histories of our time – individuals who exemplify the highest ideals of their respective callings, whose lives and contributions to society perpetuate the complete spectrum of human endeavor.  They are the ‘Lincoln hearted’ people among us.”

Stein completed his Ph.D. in American Literature and Contemporary Poetics from Indiana University.  He began his career at Bradley in 1984 and credits the university with having given him the opportunity to practice the “blended craft of poet, critic, editor and teacher.”  His teaching at Bradley focuses on the history of Illinois poetry and the evolution of poetic creation.  He integrates his research on digital new media poetry into the teaching of both his literature classroom and his poetry workshop.

As Illinois Poet Laureate, Stein says his mission is to “bring poetry where it is least expected.”  In keeping with his interest of poetry in the digital age, his Illinois Poet Laureate’s state-sponsored website features audio and video poetry, advice to youth, poetry contests, access to Stein’s poetry and links to various additional poetry resources. 

Stein, along with Nancy Goodman Brinker, Robert Gilmore, The Honorable Ray LaHood, Leo Melamed and Scott Simon, comprise the Class of 2016 Laureates and were decorated by Governor Bruce Rauner.  Previous Order of Lincoln Award recipients include James Lovell, Preston Jackson and President Ronald Reagan.

Additional information about Stein and poetry can be found at the Bradley-sponsored Poet Laureate website.

Read Governor Rauner’s original press announcement here.

Watch Dr. Stein’s Order of Lincoln acceptance speech (after clicking on link, scroll to the bottom of the webpage.)

Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois