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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (August 25, 2015) — Milligan College will host an evening with nationally-acclaimed Appalachian writer and poet Jane Hicks on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. in Walker Auditorium located in Milligan’s Seeger Chapel.
As part of the college’s sesquicentennial celebration, this event—presented by the Milligan Arts Council and Women’s and Gender Studies program—is free and open to the public.
The audience will enjoy coffee and dessert while Hicks, who is known for her wise anecdotes and wry humor, reads her poetry. In her poem “How We Became Cosmic Possums,” Hicks famously coined the self-described term “cosmic possum,” which refers to someone who knew the old, rural customs of mountain life but lived in the modern world. On her website, Hicks explains, “The possum is the perfect symbol of my beloved Appalachia: underappreciated, misunderstood and the ultimate survivor in the face of all manners of predation.”
“We are excited to have such a talented, local artist like Jane Hicks share her craft to kick off a year of wonderful arts events at Milligan,” said Dr. Kellie Brown, music area chair and organizer of the event. “Her engaging writing and speaking on the Appalachian heritage is a great way to honor the college’s 150-year history, and her insights on the culture of our region will broaden perspectives, which Milligan seeks to do in its new Women’s and Gender studies program.”
Hicks published her latest poetry collection, “Driving with the Dead,” in 2014 and her 2005 collection of poetry, “Blood and Bone Remember,” won the Poetry Book of the Year 2006 Award from the Appalachian Writers Association. These books will be available for purchase and signing after the event.
Founded in 1866, Milligan celebrates 150 years of scholarship, community and faith in 2016. More events are planned throughout the school year. For more information on Milligan arts and 150th events, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.