harshman's promising career of many publications has led to him being named as the west virginia state poet laureate in 2012. he accepted this role stating his role is to, “support the life of writers here in west virginia.” the requirements for being the west virginia state poet laureate is to be a resident of the state and written and published work of “recognized merit.” the poet laureate must serve at the will of the governor and receives a $2000 stipend every year.