University Press of Kansas director candidate presentations available for viewing, feedback
LAWRENCE — The search committee for the next University Press of Kansas director has selected three candidates to participate in pre-recorded video presentations. The candidates were asked to address this topic: “Casting a vision for the future of the University Press of Kansas.” The three candidates are listed below, and their presentations are available on the search website. The search committee invites state university faculty, staff and students, along with Press staff, to view the presentations and provide feedback via an online form on the search website by 8 a.m. Aug. 7.
Allison Means
Allison Means is the assistant director/marketing director for the University of Iowa Press, where she leads branding efforts, creates and fulfills marketing plans for 30 or more books published per year, and manages the publicity, website, social media channels, exhibitions and awards for all press titles. She serves as a board member for the Iowa Review and is a founding member of the Iowa City Book Festival organization committee. In Means’ previous role with Sourcebooks, she managed publicity with a focus on national radio for various trade titles. Means holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in art/art history from the University of Iowa, where she graduated with honors and distinction. She is also a graduate of the Denver Publishing Institute.
Timothy Paulson
Tim Paulson has held leadership positions in a broad range of contexts — from small nonprofit publishers to multinational media companies — working in trade, academic and educational categories. He currently serves as the general manager of Brentwood Studios. He has published a No. 1 New York Times bestseller, created an educational publishing division and founded a trade imprint. Paulson holds a bachelor’s degree in religion from St. Olaf College, a Master of Business Administration from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary.
J. Alex Schwartz
Alex Schwartz is an executive publishing professional with significant experience in both university press and commercial academic publishing. Schwartz’ senior and executive editor positions include positions at Kluwer Academic Publishing, Yale University Press, University of Chicago Press and McGraw Hill. While director at Northern Illinois University Press, Schwartz increased its annual title count as well as grant fund revenue. Schwartz completed his undergraduate degree in history at Tufts University and was commissioned at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His graduate work includes Arizona State, Western Connecticut State and Harvard universities.
In addition to their presentations, each candidate will take part in interviews and meet with the search committee and constituent groups. Jean Redeker, assistant vice provost for academic affairs at the University of Kansas, is leading the search committee. More information about the search, including the position overview and candidate CVs, can be found on the search webpages.
The University Press of Kansas was founded in 1946 and represents the six state universities in Kansas: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University. It was established as a consortium by the Kansas Board of Regents and is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are the chief academic officers of the six universities. The Press is in Lawrence.