Press History
Truman State University Press (TSUP) was established in 1986 under the direction of Robert V. Schnucker, professor of history and religion, with support from the University. The new press was built on Schnucker’s fifteen years of experience as managing editor of the Sixteenth Century Journal and directing book publications for the Sixteenth Century Essays & Studies series (SCE&S). He expanded the focus of scholarly publishing to include works in various subject areas. The Press initially published about three books each year in addition to several published for the sixteenth century series. The Press now publishes 10 to 12 books each year focusing on early modern studies, American studies, and poetry. Titles in American studies include environmental history, regional/Midwest studies, and presidential histories, for both a scholarly audience and the general reader. The Truman State University Press was proud to celebrate 20 years of publishing in 2006.
Name Change
Anticipating a name change for the university, the press was originally named Thomas Jefferson University Press, and changed its name to Truman State University Press after the university’s name was changed.
Recognition
Scholars worldwide recognize the early modern series for its commitment to scholarship and high publication standards and as a premier venue for interdisciplinary studies in early modern history. Also known internationally is the annual T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry, which was established in 1997 as an annual award for the best unpublished book-length collection of poetry in English in honor of native Missourian T. S. Eliot.
Staff
Schnucker retired in 1998 and Paula Presley became the director, serving in that position until her retirement in 2004, when Nancy Rediger assumed the directorship. In addition to three full-time editing, production, and marketing staff, the Press offers internships and part-time student employment, allowing students to explore their interests and learn basic publishing skills. Today the Press offers nine internships each year and employs up to 10 additional students in order fulfillment, copyediting, production, marketing, and sales.
Oversight
The Press operates under the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and is advised by an editorial board composed of Truman faculty from fine arts, language and literature, and social science. The board assists in the selection of manuscript readers and approves manuscripts for publication after they have been peer-reviewed. The Press is located in its own building south of the main campus.
TSUP Staff
Nancy Rediger, Director/Editor-in-Chief
Judith Sharp, Production Editor
Barbara Smith-Mandell, Copy Editor/Acquisitions Editor
TSUP Editorial Board
Members of the Editorial Board are scholars of high standing in disciplines relevant to the Press’s publishing program. Board members serve three-year terms and meet several times each year.
Mark Hanley, Chair
Monica Barron
Huping Ling
Mike Ashcraft
Julia DeLancey
David Partenheimer
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Maria Di Stefano, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Nancy Rediger, Truman State University Press Director
Kathryn Brammall, Sixteenth Century Journal Managing Editor