Dr. Richard Tuerk

Richard Tuerk came to East Texas State University in 1972 as an associate professor in the Department of Literature and Languages. He taught American literature and children’s literature. He became a full professor. In January 2009, he retired from Texas A&M University-Commerce with the rank of professor emeritus.

In 1991, he was named a Piper Professor.

During his time in Commerce, he published several books as well as dozens of articles, book chapters, and reviews. He also published short stories, poems, and memoirs. He also served as faculty adviser for Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. He was on the boards of several scholarly publications and served as officer in several scholarly associations.

One of his graduate students, Donna Walker-Nixon, established the Tuerk Endowment in his honor. Its original purpose was to provide funds to graduate students so that they could travel in connection with their research.