Kent State University Press Turns 50

Will Underwood, director of the Kent State University
Press, speaks at a reception to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the Kent State University Press.

(Photo credit: Malanie Nesteruk)

The Kent State University Press celebrates five decades of award-winning publishing this year.

Since its formal establishment in 1965, the press has sought “to advance knowledge through publishing.” It specializes in general interest and scholarly books in the humanities, including American history, Great Lakes Region culture, true crime and literary studies, says William Underwood, director of the Kent State University Press.

The Kent State University Press’ first publication was Renaissance Humanism, 1300-1550 by Frederick B. Artz.

In 1970, the Kent State University Press became a full member of the Association of American University Presses (AAUP). Today, it annually publishes two journals and 35 new book volumes that are available worldwide in a variety of languages in both print and electronic editions.

The press has earned several distinguished awards over the last 50 years, including the Costume Society of America’s Millia Davenport Award for Wearable Prints, 1760-1860: History, Materials, and Mechanics by Susan Greene and the Carter G. Woodson Award for Growing Season: The Life of a Migrant Community by Gary Harwood and David Hassler.

The Independent Publisher (IPPY) Awards also has recognized the Kent State University Press with several awards, including a gold medal for Born to Lose: Stanley B. Hoss and the Crime Spree That Gripped a Nation by Jim Hollock.

“We’re living in an age where 140 characters constitute serious communication,” notes Underwood. “That’s kind of the opposite of what we do. We publish communication that’s long-form argument, which is carefully researched, sometimes over years or decades, and thoroughly documented. I think that still has value, perhaps now more than ever. It’s an essential part of the academic enterprise.”

To commemorate the milestone, the press hosted a reception in the Moulton Hall Ballroom on Sept. 25 from 6:30-9 p.m. Current and former press staff members, authors, publishing partners and supporters, as well as their friends and families, gathered to celebrate over refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Kent State President Beverly Warren addressed the assembly in honor of the occasion.

Peter Berkery, executive director of the AAUP, was the event’s keynote speaker. Press directors from two other public universities in Ohio also were present.

Underwood says he is looking forward to the continued prosperity of the press, its talented authors and staff.

For more information about the Kent State University Press, visit www.kentstateuniversitypress.com.