Peter Sammartino stood at the helm of Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1967. He sought to create a publishing house that could serve academic needs. Thomas Yoseloff joined him as a partner. Yoseloff had recently left his role as director of the University of Pennsylvania Press. He founded Associated University Presses to unite small and medium-sized university presses. This consortium aimed to distribute humanities scholarship more effectively. FDU Press became the first member of this new group in 1968. The collaboration between Sammartino and Yoseloff set a foundation for decades of scholarly output.
Editorial Leadership Evolution
Charles Angoff served as chief editor from 1967 until 1977. His tenure covered the press's initial decade of operation. Harry Keyishian took over the directorship in 1977. He led the organization for forty years until 2017. Even after stepping down, Keyishian remained on the editorial committee. James Gifford now holds the position of current director. This succession of leaders shaped the press's direction through different eras of academic publishing. Each editor brought their own vision while maintaining core institutional values.Distribution Partnerships Shifts
Associated University Presses ceased most new publishing activities in 2010. A new distribution agreement emerged with Rowman & Littlefield following that decision. The partnership continued for over a decade before changing hands again. Bloomsbury Publishing acquired Rowman & Littlefield in 2024. FDU Press officially partnered with Bloomsbury effective June 2024. These shifts reflect broader changes within the university press industry. Distribution models evolved to meet market demands and ensure continued access to scholarship.Campus Relocation And Structure
The press relocated to Fairleigh Dickinson University's Vancouver campus in July 2017. This move marked a significant physical change for the organization. Despite the relocation, the editorial structure remained intact. An editorial committee composed of faculty from various campuses continues to oversee operations. An advisory board includes both faculty members and external publishing professionals. This dual structure balances internal academic oversight with outside expertise. The Vancouver location represents a strategic choice within the university system.Publication Portfolio Overview
Over 1,500 non-fiction titles have been issued since the press began. Most works fall into literature, literary criticism, arts, history, or social sciences. Research titles form a substantial portion of this extensive catalog. The scope covers diverse fields while maintaining an academic focus. Each title contributes to the growing body of humanities scholarship available today. The volume of publications demonstrates the press's commitment to scholarly communication over fifty years.