Reflections of an Illinois Poet Laureate with Dr. Kevin Stein

Governor Bruce Rauner announced last week that Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein is stepping down from the post after a long run. Poet Laureate is a position that comes with a title, but no job description, no budget, no staff , and no salary. Stein, a Bradley University English professor, has held the position since December 2003. He follows in the footsteps of Carl Sandburg, Illinois' first poet laureate, and Gwendolyn Brooks, its longest serving laureate. Stein tells Illinois Public Radio’s Judy Valente the legacy of those who preceded him was never far from his thoughts.