ild"I am honored to acknowledge Dr. Bedell for a lifetime of exemplary leadership,hrd" said Bergeson as she presented the award. lld"He is a knowledgeable, compassionate man of integrity. As a dedicated advocate of public education, Jack is an outstanding candidate for this award. He truly cares, and his work has supported the success of countless students and community members.ard"
m"High-spirited and unafraid, full of Louisiana Cajun zest, quick to anger and quick to forgive, and quick to offer unabashed praise for this world, Jack Bedell’s new poems take us through lived experiences, come rain or come shine. He tells his story and fixes his place in these remarkably examining lyrics that grab hold and won’t let go.r"—Heather Ross Miller
Jack B. Bedell is the Woman's Hospital Distinguished Professor in the Humanities at Southeastern Louisiana University where he also serves as editor of Louisiana Literature and director of Louisiana Literature Press. His most recent books are Call and Response (Texas Review Press), Come Rain, Come Shine (Texas Review Press) and French Connections: A Gathering of Franco-American Poets (LaLit Press).
Jack B. Bedell was born and raised in south Louisiana. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches before attending the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, where he earned his M.F.A. He now teaches at Southeastern Louisiana University where he serves as Editor of Louisiana Literature. His first book, At the Bonehouse, won the 1997 Texas Review Prize, and his chapbook, What Passes for Love, was the winner of the 2000 Texas Review Chapbook Competition.
