Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz has been named a finalist for the 2025 Oklahoma Book Award in poetry for his latest collection, “The Fires of Heraclitus.”

Presented by the Oklahoma Center for the Book, the Oklahoma Book Award recognizes outstanding literary works by authors with ties to the state. Winners in each category will be announced at the annual awards banquet on May 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Juhasz’s nominated work, “The Fires of Heraclitus,” explores themes of change, impermanence, and transformation, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek philosopher. Known for his belief in fire as a symbol of constant flux, Heraclitus viewed struggle and opposition as essential forces shaping existence—ideas reflected in Juhasz’s poetic work.

At SSC, Juhasz teaches English and creative writing, helping students develop their literary voices. His previous works include “Fulfillment: Diary of a Warehouse Picker,” a creative nonfiction account of his time at an Amazon Fulfillment Center; “Ronin: Mostly Prose

Poems,” a finalist for the 2022 Oklahoma Book Award; “The Inner Life of Comics,” and “As If Place Matters.” He is also a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized among such talented Oklahoma writers,” Juhasz said. “The literary community in this state is full of passionate, skilled storytellers and I’m grateful to have my work included in this tradition.”

The Oklahoma Book Award, now in its 36th year, highlights excellence in fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature, design and poetry.