Susan Dingle
Poet Laureate, Clark County, 2024-2026
Susan Dingle moved to the Pacific Northwest in November 2020, at the invitation of her son and his family. She is, beyond being chosen as the Clark County Poet Laureate, a member of Community AME Zion Church, Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, and the SW Washington Interfaith Alliance.
She has 6 grandchildren, 13 “bonus” grandchildren, and one “bonus” great-grandchild. She has been sober since 1981. She graduated from Pacific University with an MFA in 2025.
As poet laureate, writer, and ecumenical social justice minister, she serves private clients, community groups, and churches. She recently took up boxing.
Here at the Clark County Arts Commission, we have a deep love for the literary arts. We know that behind every great painting there’s a story, and behind every story there’s a community of readers, writers, and dreamers who make it possible. That’s why supporting local writers and literary expression has always been close to our hearts.
Whether you’re a lifelong novelist, someone who’s been quietly filling journals for years, a poet who finds meaning in a few carefully chosen words, or simply someone who loves a good read — you belong here. Our literary arts programs are designed to welcome every voice and every stage of the writing journey.
Clark County has always had a rich culture of storytelling, rooted in the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the history of the Columbia River, and the endlessly fascinating people who call this place home. We’re proud to help that tradition grow and thrive.