Scholar in Residence 2009-10

Carol Barrett I moved to Bend early in 2009 and am so happy to be here! The college is a wonderfully inviting community dedicated to learning.  My passion for creative writing began after an early career in clinical psychology; I have earned Ph.D.s in both fields, as well as a master’s degree in physical education majoring in dance.  Besides psychology, literature and writing, I have taught and published articles in gerontology and women’s studies.  My two books of poetry are Calling in the Bones (Ashland Poetry Press, 2005) which won a national competition, and Drawing Lessons (Finishing Line Press, 2002.) Magazines and anthologies have published 200 of my poems; JAMA is among them.  I was honored to receive an N.E.A. fellowship as a poet. Writers from all levels from elementary grades through doctoral candidates have been my students.   I love getting folks excited about the possibilities of their own creative language, and have discovered, as have many others before me, the healing potential of poetry. This year I especially want to encourage exploratory poetry by students and faculty in health-related fields. Research has shown that creative writing can assist in healing a wide range of illnesses. Poetry is not only fun and rewarding, it is a natural way to work through some of the personal challenges of caring for patients who are suffering. I am generally available on Fridays, and also by appointment.  You may reach me at extension 3714, or by email at cbarrett@cocc.edu.  (If I am not here, I am probably working at home for Union Institute & University, the first “university without walls”, based in Cincinnati. I am Assistant Dean for Academic Review in the graduate college.) I look forward to the meaningful poetry that will emerge as we get together! Thank you for the opportunity to learn with you. Here is a sample poem from my book Calling in the Bones  "Crayfish"

   

Scholar in Residence 2008-09	Word Cafes
Writer in Residence 2006-2007
Poet in Residence 2005-2006