Paul Otremba, assistant professor in creative writing, died June 24, 2019. He was 40. As both a poet and professor of poetry, Professor Otremba inspired those who knew him and his work.

Otremba authored three poetry collections: “The Currency,” “Pax Americana” and “Levee," the latter of which was published posthumously. His final collection confronts ecology, politics and illness, in what Otremba described as “what is owed, what is gathered, what is a flood of indignation, anger and grief.”

Professor Otremba is survived by his wife, Holly Holmes, and his loving extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be sent to the Southern Poverty Law Center or another organization supporting social justice.

'I cannot quantify the impact Paul Otremba had on my life as a poet, and more importantly, as a person,' wrote Kelsie Utz ’19 in one of many tributes that poured in across social media. 'He gave so much to the world, especially to young people. I am greater for having met him.'