RALEIGH (WTVD) -- More than 100 dignitaries filled the Old State Capitol chambers Monday night to watch North Carolina's newest poet laureate sworn-in without any controversy.
The governor's quip smoothly disarmed the ire over his last appointment Valerie Macon, who only lasted about a week in the post.
"I say this to each of you. I've learned my lesson," Gov. Pat McCrory remarked over laughter and applause, "In the long run things are even going to get better."
Macon, appointed last summer, had only self-published two books of poetry in recent years and was largely unknown within state literary circles.
In contrast, 76-year-old Shelby Stephenson is a highly acclaimed award winning author who has published more than a dozen books.
Born in Johnston County, Stephenson has taught at the college level and was inducted into the state's Literary Hall of Fame last year.
The governor personally picked Macon, but enlisted a six-member panel to choose Stephenson, who will serve a two-year term.