What's Happening?
Stephanie Williams, Director of Wayne State University Press, has been inaugurated as the first African American president of the Association of University Presses (AUPresses). Her presidency began at the 2026 AUPresses Annual Meeting in Seattle. Williams, a 30-year
veteran in publishing, succeeds Dennis Lloyd and is only the second woman of color to hold this position since 1938. In her inaugural address, Williams emphasized the challenges facing scholarly publishers, including economic shifts, technological advances, and political divides. She also highlighted the importance of diversity within the industry and the need to address systemic exclusion and oppression.
Why It's Important?
Williams' appointment marks a significant milestone in the publishing industry, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. Her presidency could influence the direction of AUPresses, promoting policies that support underrepresented groups and address systemic barriers. This leadership change may inspire other organizations to prioritize diversity and inclusion, potentially leading to broader cultural shifts within the publishing industry. Williams' focus on resilience and adaptability is particularly relevant in an era of rapid technological and economic changes.
What's Next?
As president, Williams plans to focus on advancing the mission of AUPresses to disseminate knowledge widely. Her leadership may involve initiatives to support diversity and inclusion within member presses and the broader publishing community. The industry will be watching to see how Williams' presidency influences AUPresses' policies and practices, particularly in addressing systemic issues and promoting innovation. Her tenure could set a precedent for future leadership in the organization and inspire similar changes across the publishing sector.
