Geoffrey Hill is the 44th Oxford Professor of Poetry

Some people have felt that Geoffrey Hill and Barack Obama shared something special... and now we know what it is: both are NUMBER 44. Relieved that Barack Obama has not been named to the 44th Oxford Poetry Professorship, the Boston Globe chose to make the announcement about Hill's victory in an article entitled "In Ted's Honor" which speaks first of a commemorative breakfast for Ted Kennedy. The same article eventually notes that because Geoffrey Hill and Christopher Ricks have held the position of Oxford Professor of Poetry, "Boston University rules the world — the poetry world, at least." Boston Globe (June 19, 2010).

See also:

Geoffrey Hill Zinger (June 18, 2010).

Stephen Moss, "My run for Oxford professor of poetry was crushed by viral campaign — and a distinguished rival," Guardian (June 18, 2010).

Ruth Padel is the winner

Ruth Padel was elected as Oxford Professor of Poetry yesterday with 69% of the vote, making her the first woman to hold the position.  (That makes two women elected to previously all male poetry positions in two weeks).  

Links:

David Harrison, "Ruth Padel's win 'poisoned' by smear campaign," Telegraph (May 17, 2009).

Sarah Crown, "A Life in Poetry: Ruth Padel," Guardian (May 16, 2009).

BBC, "Padel named Oxford poet professor," (May 16, 2009).

AP, "Ruth Padel voted Oxford's Professor of Poetry," Real Clear World (May 16, 2009).

News release from University of Oxford (May 16, 2009).