WVU Press Mission Statement

WVU Press

A university press is an extension of its parent institution, charged with serving the public good by publishing works of scholarly, intellectual, and creative merit for a diverse range of readers. West Virginia University Press’s primary goal is to find, develop, select, and publish scholarship and creative works of highest quality and enduring value. Through the publication of all such works, WVU Press helps to fulfill West Virginia University’s land-grant mission.

A Brief History

West Virginia University Press was founded in the mid-1960s by Dean of Libraries Dr. Robert Munn. In these early years, WVU Press was successful publishing a small group of important bibliographies and histories of the coal industry.

In 1999, the Press was relocated to within the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Patrick Conner accepted the challenge of directing the Press. Dr. Conner, along with others, was determined to both reinvigorate the Press and establish it among the foremost university presses in the country. Carrie Mullen, the Press's Director since 2008, continues to lead the Press according to its mission. WVU Press now publishes ten to twelve books each year—everything from fiction to Appalachian history to African American literature to scholarly journals. We are a proud member of the Association of American University Presses.

Fields of Publication

Books

African American literature

Central Appalachian natural sciences

Medieval Studies

Regional history and culture

Southern History

Vandalia Press: Fiction, reprint poetry, and other creative works

West Virginia Sound Archive: cd recordings of Appalachian music

Journals

Education and Treatment of Children

Essays in Medieval Studies

Tolkien Studies

Victorian Poetry

West Virginia History