EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Award-winning author and English professor at El Paso Community College, Lawrence Welsh, has published a new book of poetry on border regions.

Welsh set an example of how EPCC professors are dynamic individuals who bring theory and practice to life to inspire students in the classroom, EPCC officials said.

“EPCC professors not only teach in the classroom as accomplished academics, but many are also successful in their respective professional fields,” EPCC officials said.

As a result, students benefit from a wealth of real-world experience that faculty are able to share.

“EPCC has many faculty who are accomplished authors, artists and researchers in their respective fields who serve as strong role models for their students. When students take a course with a professor like Lawrence Welsh, they benefit not only from their academic knowledge, but also from their professional achievements.

Blayne Primozich, Dean of Communication and Performing Arts at the Valle Verde Campus

Released earlier this week, “American Skull” is Welsh’s 13th^e collection of poetry published. His writings have also been published in over 300 other publications. Welsh’s work has received awards including the Southwest Book Award, New Mexico-Arizona Book Award, Bardsong Press Celtic Voice Writing Award in Poetry, and many other accolades.

Welsh uses both his experience and his writing to inspire the students he teaches, EPPC officials said.

Welsh’s experience is similar to that of students in her class, Welsh said.

A first-generation Irish American, Welsh was born and raised in south-central Los Angeles. He was able to attend El Camino College and California State University, Long Beach, working as a supermarket grocery clerk at Safeway for ten years. During this time he was also a reporter for two university newspapers. In the middle of his freshman year, Welsh began working as a reporter for the Pulitzer Prize-winning Daily Breeze newspaper in LA County.

“He is a mentor and role model who is a living example of how an English degree can lead students to successful careers,” EPCC officials said.