GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College English Instructor Dean Tuck has been awarded first place in a prestigious poetry competition, bringing recognition to both the educator and the institution.
Award-Winning Poem Inspired by Classical Art
Tuck’s poem “After St. Matthew and the Angel” won first place in an ekphrasis poetry contest sponsored by literary magazine Tar River Poetry in partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). Ekphrasis poetry is a specialized form of creative writing that responds to visual artworks, requiring poets to translate visual imagery into literary expression.
The contest challenged poets to select pieces from the NCMA’s collection and craft poetic responses to them. Tuck chose to respond to the painting St. Matthew and the Angel, creating a winning piece that captured the judges’ attention among all submissions.
Recognition Includes Multiple Honors
Tuck’s victory comes with several notable rewards:
- A monetary honorarium
- An invitation to perform his poem at the End Paper: NCMA Art Book Fair poetry reading
- A custom broadside of his winning poem, created by artists Terry Schupbach-Gordon and Toby Gordon of Catbird (on-the-Yadkin) Press
One of the commemorative broadsides is currently displayed on the third floor of Wayne Community College’s Dogwood Building for the campus community to view.
Upcoming Novel Release and Campus Event
Beyond his poetry success, Tuck has expanded his creative work into longer forms. His novel Twinless Twin is scheduled for release later this year, marking another milestone in his literary career.
The Wayne Community College community will have the opportunity to hear directly from Tuck about his creative process when he participates in the Foundation of WCC’s Arts and Humanities lecture series this fall. During the event, he will read selections from his upcoming novel and discuss the publication journey.
Community Impact
Tuck’s recognition highlights Wayne Community College’s commitment to supporting faculty who excel in their creative and academic pursuits while serving as an inspiration to students in the college’s English and creative writing programs.
