Athens’ new poet laureate says connection will guide her term

WUGA | By Emma Auer

Published March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT

Dr. Amanda Dzimianski, Athens' new Poet Laureate, at the WUGA studios.

Athens-Clarke County selected its new poet laureate this winter. Amanda Dzimianski was selected to share this art form with the local community. Her term will last until 2028. Dzimianski is a Georgia native and writer, and she sat down with WUGA’s Emma Auer to discuss her journey as a poet.

She will host a community open mic event on April 19th from 3-5 pm at the Athens-Clarke County Library.

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Local News Athens Poet Laureate

Emma Auer

Emma Auer is an award-winning reporter who joined WUGA as a full-time producer in 2024. She is also a graduate student in UGA's Romance Languages Department, studying French and Spanish. She covers the breadth of Northeast Georgia stories, from Athens City Hall to Winterville farmers' markets. Emma's work has also been heard on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

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