Executive Vice President and Provost Chaden Djalali, today, announced Stephanie Williams as the new director of Ohio University Press. Williams, who most recently served as director of marketing and sales at the University Press of Kentucky, will begin her position at OHIO on June 24, 2019. 

Williams, who has an extensive background and experience in scholarly press, previously served as the marketing manager for University of Missouri Press. She was the assistant director of sales and marketing as well as the publicity and promotions manager for University Press of Florida also having served as a freelance publicist and writer and promotions manager for the organization. Williams received her bachelor of arts degree in writing and literature from Naropa University.

In her new role, Williams will develop and implement strategic planning for the regular evolution and improvement of Ohio University Press and its trade imprint, Swallow Press, which comprise the oldest scholarly press in Ohio. 

Since its founding, Ohio University Press has developed into a leading publisher of books about Africa, Appalachia, Southeast Asia, and the Midwest, as well as on many other topics. From academic monographs to regional histories to internationally acclaimed literary works, including those of Anaïs Nin and Janet Lewis, its books have established the Press as an essential member of its many communities: scholarly, literary and geographic.

“Stephanie brings a great deal of experience to the Ohio University Press. As the oldest scholarly press in the state of Ohio, it is of vital importance that we develop a strategic, long-range plan for continued success,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Chaden Djalali. “I am confident that she has what it takes to continue and evolve the scholarly excellence of the Ohio University Press.”

Dr. Djalali announced the search committee,chaired by Joe McLaughlin and LJ Edmonds, this past November after Gillian Berchowitz announced her retirement. Beth Pratt has been serving as interim director since Berchowitz stepped down in December.