Natasha Trethewey

About

American poet who was appointed United States Poet Laureate in 2012. She received the Pulitzer Prize for a 2006 poetry collection entitled Native Guard; her other works include Bellocq's Ophelia and Thrall.

Before Fame

She earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Georgia and went on to obtain a master's degree in English and Creative Writing from Hollins University (in Virginia).

Trivia

She served as director of the Emory University Creative Writing Program.

Family Life

Her father, Eric Trethewey, also had a career as a poet. Her mother, Gwendolyn Ann Turnbough, was murdered in 1985.

Associated With

She succeeded Philip Levine as United States Poet Laureate.