McClatchy Elected President of the American Academy of Arts and Letters

The New York Times has word today of J. D. McClatchy’s election as the 55th president of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. From the AAAL’s press release:

The poet J. D. McClatchy has been elected to a three-year term as president of the American Academy of Arts and Letters succeeding the composer Ezra Laderman. Mr. McClatchy, who was elected to membership in the Academy ten years ago, has frequently served on its award juries.

On learning of his selection, McClatchy said, “I’m grateful for the chance to serve this great institution, and I look forward to working with its staff and my colleagues in continuing our mission to encourage and support the arts in America. At a time when similar organizations are financially threatened, it’s crucial for the Academy - the oldest and most distinguished such group in this country - to set the standard of excellence in its unwavering devotion to the responsibilities of the human imagination.”

January 23, 2009, 11:44am ·