John Beusterien was born in Detroit, Michigan, and received a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). His Ph.D. is from the University of Wisconsin (Madison).

He is developing a museum, Lubbock Waters, to educate about the ecosystem of the southern high plains.

His awards include the Don D. Walker Prize for best essay on the literature and culture of the North American West.

Check out his poetry and short stories under his pen name, King O. Postcards.

John Beusterien has published academic articles, chapters, edited and co-edited books, book reviews, and monographs. He has also published a short story and poetry.

His area of research is the literature and culture from the Spanish-speaking world.  Topics include the work of Miguel de Cervantes; Spanish Golden Age theater; the history of blood and race; and early modern Spanish cultural studies. His research also focuses on the environment and animals; creative writing; and regional studies.