Educated over 5,000 Industry Professionals

He has 50 years of teaching experience, having taught over 5,000 industry operators and professionals in TAPPI courses, including the sole instructor since 1974 at TAPPI’s Introduction to Pulp & Paper Technology,  and at over 60 paper industry corporations at over 150 pulp/paper mills, government and other organizations including the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American and Forest Association (AF&PA); in addition to his teaching of P&P undergraduate and graduate students since 1970.

He is the editor of 11 books, including the recognized Pulp and Paper Manufacture series covering the entire field of pulp & paper, and the 4th edition of the Handbook for Pulp & Paper Technologists by Gary Smook. He has authored / co-authored  12 video courses, including the Introduction to Pulp & Paper series- again covering the entire field of pulp & paper; and 4 new introductory to intermediate level comprehensive NSF sponsored e-learning distance learning courses on Pulp Manufacturing Technology, Paper Manufacturing Technology, Tissue Manufacturing Technology, Chemical Recovery & Environmental Control, Pulping and Paper Laboratories, plus ae-learning seminar series on Paper Machine Optimization for the National Network for Pulp & Paper Technical Training (NPT2). 

Dr. Kocurek received his B.S., M.S., and PhD degrees in Pulp & Paper Technology from the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science & Forestry, and Syracuse University. He has served as Professor and Paper Science Department Head at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, an academic program he founded; and North Carolina  State University.

 His honors include being a TAPPI Fellow and Distinguished Service Award recipient. He is also a recipient of the Paper  & Board Division Technical Award, and the Harris O. Ware Prize. Dr. Kocurek has been inducted into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame – an honor bestowed to recognize people who have made preeminent contributions to the global paper industry.