Enriching Our Academic Landscape

The Creator in Residence program brings diverse creators—musicians, artists, scientists, and more—into our community to lead engaging programs, collaborate with students and faculty, and participate in events—sparking inspiration within our community while providing creators opportunities to deepen their craft.

Meet this Year's Creator in Residence

Patricia Smith Headshot

Patricia Smith

Creator IN RESIDENCE - 2025-26

Patricia Smith is an American poet, spoken-word performer, playwright, author, writing teacher, and former journalist. A four-time individual National Poetry Slam champion and winner of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize (2021), Smith joins Lawrence as the next Creator in Residence, working with writers and performers across campus.

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book cover of Intentions of Thunder

Award-Winning Poet

Author of 10 poetry books, including The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems. Winner of the Kingsley Tufts Award, the LA Times Book Prize, the NAACP Image Award, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

Patricia Smith, Creator in Residence

Recognized Published Author

Smith is a 2024 inductee into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Patricia Smith, speaking at convocation

Distinguished Professor

Professor in Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts and a former distinguished professor at CUNY. She helps students strengthen their voice and take their art form and craft to the next level.

Value of Hosting a Creator in Residence

Through the Creator in Residence program, Lawrence University provides:

  • Enriched Academic Experiences: Access to exceptional performances, exhibitions, and lectures that enhance and complement the curriculum.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Opportunities for collaboration with Lawrence students, faculty, and local schools and organizations.
  • Cultural Vibrancy: Increased cultural and artistic energy on campus and in the local community through innovative programming and engaging events.
  • Prestige and Recognition: An opportunity to elevate both the university’s and the community’s profiles through partnerships with renowned creators and meaningful activities that foster artistic innovation.

Special thanks to Harold ’72 and Mary Donn ’73 Jordan for their generous gift, which has made this pioneering role possible. Their support will significantly enrich Lawrence University’s commitment to academic and artistic excellence.

A successful first visit of our inaugural Creator in Residence, Robert Battle, could not have been possible without the collaboration and contributions of Margaret Sunghe Paek and Mauriah Donegan Kraker, Visiting Assistant Professors of Dance at Lawrence University. We thank them for their continued engagement, collaboration, and expertise as this residency continues.