Dr. Jenny Yang Cropp, assistant professor of English at Southeast Missouri State University, will present a poetry reading on Thursday, March 14, at Missouri Southern.

Cropp grew up in Oklahoma and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2005, a master’s of fine arts in creative writing from Minnesota State University-Mankato in 2008, and a doctoral degree in English from the University of South Dakota in 2016.

Her poems have been published in many journals, including Hayden’s Ferry Review, Ecotone, Boxcar Poetry Review, Poetry Southeast, Superstition Review, Eclipse, Literary Mama, Festival Writer, Jelly Bucket, and The Fiddleback.

Dr. Zak Watson, department chair in English and philosophy, said a poetry reading is when an author will read selections of their work. Some authors talk between their poems, reflecting on their composition or telling stories related to them, while others might just read their texts without comment.

 “A good reading will move you physically and emotionally, and the best readings move you in ways you couldn’t anticipate,” said Watson.

The poetry reading takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 14, in room 413 at the Spiva Library. The reading is open to the public.

“Hearing an author read their works is a chance for students to see literature in action,” said Watson. “It’s a learning opportunity that can show students the beauty and power of thought and language.

“Readings like this one are often inspiring, refreshing our perspectives with diverse ideas and words.”