Page 10 - 2017 Fall Newsletter

TCU PRESS CELEBRATES

70 YEARS

“University presses do things that wouldn’t otherwise get done. They perform services that are of inestimable value to
the scholarly establishment—researchers, teachers, librarians and the rest of the university community—but also to the
broader world of readers, and ultimately to society itself.”

That’s according to the Association of American University Presses, an association of more than 130 university presses
working in tandem through professional education, cooperative services and public advocacy.

TCU Press, the University’s academic publishing department, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Established
to expand upon TCU’s core mission through discovery, development and dissemination of knowledge by publishing
significant, relevant and innovative titles, TCU Press focuses on the areas of history and literature of Texas and the
American West, notably the discovery and preservation of oral history.

Since its first publication in 1947, TCU Press has published more than 400 books.

“Albeit a small press, TCU Press has many notable strengths, including a great staff, loyal friends and supporters, and
an established niche in Texana and Southwestern literature, history and culture,” said Dan Williams, director. “Yet, its
greatest strength is that the TCU Press imprint is well regarded and recognized among publishers, authors and readers
alike.

“We attain, design, produce and sell books just like well-known retail publishing houses; however, our primary goal is to
publish works of scholarly distinction.”

Highlights of TCU Press’ growth and success are as follows:
• Has created a digital presence with online sales and marketing campaigns and the publication of eBooks
• Outpaces many larger universities with more titles chosen as finalists in the Texas Institute of Letters’ annual book
awards and other industry awards of distinction
• Serves as a learning laboratory for student interns, teaching them skills outside the classroom and helping them build
and expand their portfolios
• Remains active in industry and historical book festivals, including prominence at the Texas Book Festival and Texas
State Historical Association
• Publishes a digital undergraduate research journal titled The Boller Review to highlight research initiatives and the
students, artists and creative writers behind the research

“Looking ahead, our goals are to increase awareness and involvement on campus, develop innovative titles showcasing
regional history and culture, and contribute to the prestige of our parent university.”

A special event was held on November 1, 2017 to celebrate this milestone.

TCU Press is a member of the Texas Book Consortium, a collection of university presses from around the state.

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