Lincoln University Poetry Workshop Students Share Original Work at Public Reading

Undergraduate Poetry Workshop students presented their original work during an Evening of Poetry at the Missouri River Regional Library on December 3. Left to right; Cassandra Hile, Malachi Holliman, Parrish Morris, Professor Elijah Burrell, Yessnia Austin-Dixon, Kennedy Thompson and Cheyene Koetting.

Students from Lincoln University’s Undergraduate Poetry Workshop showcased their original poetry during a public reading at the Missouri River Regional Library on December 3. The event drew an audience of approximately 40 people, including members of the mid-Missouri community, LU faculty and staff, students, alumni and a professor emeritus.

“It’s always a pleasure to see Lincoln University students create something special and share it with the community,” said LU Professor of English Elijah Burrell. “The folks at Missouri River Regional Library are so generous in their partnership with us. This fall poetry workshop was truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be prouder of my students — not only for their work as artists but also for the grace and purpose with which they presented it. What a wonderful evening!” 

The program featured poetry readings by Cassandra Hile, Malachi Holliman, Parrish Morris, Yessnia Austin-Dixon, Kennedy Thompson and Cheyene Koetting. Each student shared works written during the fall 2024 semester, reflecting on topics and themes meaningful to their personal and creative journeys.

The reading, part of Lincoln University’s ongoing partnership with the Missouri River Regional Library, exemplified efforts to connect the university’s creative talent with the broader community. Events like this provide a platform for student writers to share their voices, build confidence and engage with a diverse audience.