University of Oklahoma Press

University of Oklahoma Press
Parent companyUniversity of Oklahoma
Founded1929
FounderWilliam Bennett Bizzell
Country of originUnited States
Headquarters locationNorman, Oklahoma
DistributionLongleaf Services, Inc.
Publication typesBooks
Official websitewww.oupress.com

The University of Oklahoma Press (OU Press) is the publishing arm of the University of Oklahoma. Founded in 1929 by the fifth president of the University of Oklahoma, William Bennett Bizzell, it was the first university press to be established in the American Southwest.[1] The OU Press is one of the leading presses in the region, and is primarily known for its titles on the American West and Native Americans. OU Press also publishes books on topics ranging from animals to ancient languages.[2] Tornadoes and severe weather are another focus. The press releases around 80 books every year. A profile of the University of Oklahoma Press from 2018 quotes OU President David Boren as saying: "The OU Press is one of the crown jewels of the University of Oklahoma."[3]

In 2022, Andrew Berzanskis, previously of the University of Washington Press, became editorial director at OU Press.[4] He is active in the Association of University Presses, and is coauthor of "Building up Books: Toward a More Inclusive Peer Review Process."[5]

Recent initiatives at OU Press include the book series "Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed", edited by James M. Lang and Michelle D. Miller, launched in 2023.[6] Among other recent reviews of note, the New York Times featured Thomas Ty Smith's book The Garza War in South Texas as part of its "What to Read" column in 2024.[7]

Domestic distribution for the press is currently provided by the University of North Carolina Press's Longleaf Services.[8][9]

The Arthur H. Clark Company was a major printer of publications related to the history of the Western United States. In July 2006, the company was acquired by the University of Oklahoma Press and relocated to Norman, Oklahoma, where it continues as an imprint.

  1. ^ "About OU Press". oupress.com. University of Oklahoma Press. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  2. ^ Oklahoma Historical Society's Encyclopaedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, [1] Archived 2008-01-12 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Grossman, Susan (Winter 2018). "Books to Believe In". Sooner Magazine. Vol. 38, no. 2. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  4. ^ University of Oklahoma Press Editorial Director, Andrew Berzanskis - Okie Bookcast, retrieved 2023-10-06
  5. ^ Colesworthy, Andrew Berzanskis, Jane Bunker, Rebecca. "Building Up Books". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 2023-10-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ "Teaching, Engaging, and Thriving in Higher Ed Series". University of Oklahoma Press. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  7. ^ Ricks, Thomas E. (2024-05-19). "Let's Not Do Another Civil War if We Can Help It, OK?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  8. ^ "Client Publishers". longleafservices.org. Longleaf Services. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  9. ^ "Ordering Information". oupress.com. University of Oklahoma Press. Retrieved 6 October 2023.