Terry Sturm graduated from the University of Auckland, New Zealand and from Leeds University, United Kingdom. He was appointed a lecturer at the University of Sydney in 1967, senior lecturer in 1972 and associate professor in 1978. He contributed to The Oxford History of Australian Literature (1981), notably the chapter on drama and theatre.
In 1980 Sturm returned to the University of Auckland as Professor of English and in 2001 he became Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts at Auckland University. He retired in 2006. He edited The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English (1991). In 1990 he was awared a CBE for services to New Zealand literature.
Source: Harriet Veitch, 'Kiwi Scholar Loved Language', Sydney Morning Herald (22 June, 2009): 14