Dr. Michael Kocurek was born on January 6, 1943, in New York City. He was educated at the State University of New York and received his doctorate degree in Paper Science and Engineering in 1970. He is one of the world’s most recognized educators in pulp and paper.

In 1970, Dr. Kocurek led the creation of a new academic program oriented to pulp and paper processes at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. The Department of Paper Science and Engineering at the UW-Stevens Point rapidly gained national recognition.

In 1986, Dr. Kocurek became executive director of the Herty Foundation in Savannah, Georgia. During Dr. Kocurek’s ten years with this applied research and development foundation, he brought about significant expansions and improvements.

Since 1997, Dr. Kocurek has been department head of the pulp and paper science program at North Carolina State University. Dr. Kocurek has refortified the academic program and the research activities within the Department of Wood and Paper Science.

Since 1970, Dr. Kocurek has taught over 5,000 paper industry employees from more than 50 corporations in regional and in-mill short courses. He is the editor and/or author of numerous other written and video paper industry publications.

Dr. Kocurek and his wife, Margaret Carol Hatton, have daughters, Monica and Anne, and one son, Michael, Jr.