John Balaban

Feb 23, 2017

NC State’s Poet in Residence Honored by National Association of Writers, Writing Programs

Retiring professor of English and poet in residence John Balaban has received the prestigious George Garrett award from the national Association of Writers and Writing Programs for outstanding community service in literature. 

May 12, 2016

Rescuing a Script from Extinction

After trending toward extinction for decades, Vietnam’s ancient script, Chữ Nôm, now has a healthier outlook.  With a few strokes on the keyboard, anyone with a computer can write in Nôm. The character 字, for instance, represents the Nôm word for “word.” NC State English professor John Balaban has helped lead many of the developments that kickstarted Nôm’s recovery, turning an endangered calligraphic way of writing into a preserved tradition. 

May 12, 2016

Rescuing a Script from Extinction

After trending toward extinction for decades, Vietnam’s ancient script, Chữ Nôm, now has a healthier outlook.  With a few strokes on the keyboard, anyone with a computer can write in Nôm. The character 字, for instance, represents the Nôm word for “word.” NC State English professor John Balaban has helped lead many of the developments that kickstarted Nôm’s recovery, turning an endangered calligraphic way of writing into a preserved tradition. 

Mar 23, 2016

Upcoming: Pulitzer Poet Yusef Komunyakaa

Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa served as this year’s final judge for the NC State Poetry Contest. The contest — considered one of the largest free poetry contests in the southeast — yielded 636 entries this year. When Komunyakaa visits NC State on April 6-7, he will announce the contest winners, visit with students and hold a public reading of his own poetry. 

Mar 23, 2016

Upcoming: Pulitzer Poet Yusef Komunyakaa

Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa served as this year’s final judge for the NC State Poetry Contest. The contest — considered one of the largest free poetry contests in the southeast — yielded 636 entries this year. When Komunyakaa visits NC State on April 6-7, he will announce the contest winners, visit with students and hold a public reading of his own poetry. 

Jan 20, 2016

Retiring NC State poet helped save endangered script from extinction

After trending toward extinction for decades, the fate of Vietnam’s ancient script, Chữ Nôm, now has a healthier outlook. NC State English professor John Balaban has helped lead many of the developments that kick-started Nôm’s rebound from an endangered calligraphic way of writing to a preserved tradition.