Professor Emeritus of Political Science Kurt Thöräser died on October 1, 2023.
Professor Tuerasser was born in 1930 in Westtwang, Austria. After emigrating from Austria in 1962, Tuerasser earned his doctorate from American University’s School of International Service in 1971. During his 26-year tenure at the University of Arkansas, he taught courses on American politics and European and international relations. He was an expert on American foreign policy and the foreign policies of German-speaking countries. He also wrote a book and several papers about the senator’s experiences. J. William Fulbright. After retiring from the university in 1992, he became a highly respected historian for the city of Linz in his native Austria, and was awarded the city’s Distinguished Scientific Medal in 2001.
Glenn Newkirk, one of Dr. Tweraser’s former students, in 2019 established the Kurt K. Tweraser Scholarship Award to support and honor outstanding undergraduate political science students interested in studying politics, law, and organizations in the field of international relations. It has provided many young scholars with opportunities to further their education and interests in international relations.
Tweraser was an avid runner (he won the inaugural Hogeye Marathon in 1977), a birder, a cook, and a fan of football and baseball. He is survived by his wife, Jane. two sons, Felix and Ben; and grandchildren, Isabelle, Shannon and Adam. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice Care or Butterfield Trail Village Hospice Care in his name.
If you would like to leave a condolence or memory for Professor Tuerasser, you can do so at Beard Funeral Church website.
