— Ch. 1 · Founding And Early Years —
Penn State University Press.
~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
The Penn State University Press opened its doors in 1956 as a new division of the Pennsylvania State University Library system. Its first publication was not a groundbreaking academic treatise but rather a personal memoir titled Penn State Yankee: The Autobiography of Fred Lewis Pattee. Pattee held the distinction of being the first professor of American literature in the United States and served on the faculty for decades before his death. This choice of debut book reflected the press's early connection to the university's own history and faculty legacy. The organization began operations with a clear mandate to serve scholars while also reaching general audiences interested in regional history.
Scholarly Specializations
Penn State University Press carved out distinct niches within the crowded field of academic publishing during the late twentieth century. Art history became one of its primary areas of focus alongside medieval studies and Latin American studies. Rhetoric and communication formed another pillar of their scholarly output, attracting researchers from various disciplines. Religious studies and graphic medicine emerged as significant fields where the press gained national recognition. These specialized areas allowed the press to build a reputation beyond standard textbook publishing. They produced about 80 books each year to support these diverse research interests.Expansion And Acquisitions
The press grew significantly when it acquired Eisenbrauns in November 2017. This purchase brought ancient Near East and biblical studies under the umbrella of the larger institution. Eisenbrauns continued to operate as an imprint rather than disappearing into the main brand identity. A new chapter opened in 2021 with the launch of Graphic Mundi, a dedicated graphic novel imprint. This move signaled a willingness to embrace visual storytelling formats alongside traditional text-based scholarship. The expansion required hiring additional staff members to manage the growing list of titles. The organization now employs between 25 and 30 people to handle daily operations.