The Oxford Guide

Christopher Ricks was elected as the Professor of Poetry for the 2004-2009 term, receiving 214 votes at the Convocation held on 15 May 2004 in the [Divinity Schools]?. He succeeded the poet and academic Paul Muldoon, who completed his five-year term of office at the end of September 2004.

The duties of the Professor include giving a public lecture each term and the [Creweian Oration]? at the University's honorary degree ceremony every other year, setting the theme for, and judging, the [Newdigate Prize]? and the [Chancellor's English Essay Prize]?, judging the prize for an English poem on a sacred subject, and generally encouraging the art of poetry in the University.

Further information may by found on the wikipedia article.