Austin, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas Press celebrated its 75th anniversary with a public event at the Austin Central Library. The occasion was marked by a proclamation from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and featured discussions with celebrated authors. UT Press has published over 4,000 books and continues to be a vital component of Texas’s literary community. The event included notable figures such as Sarah Bird, who launched her latest work, highlighting the press’s ongoing commitment to literature and scholarship.
Austin celebrated a significant milestone on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, as the University of Texas Press (UT Press) marked its 75th anniversary. The anniversary event took place at the Austin Central Library downtown and was open for the public to attend free of charge, running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
During the celebrations, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed Sept. 21, 2025, as University of Texas Press Day, acknowledging the impact of the press on the literary culture and academic landscape of Texas. Established in 1950, UT Press has grown to become the largest publisher in Texas, boasting an impressive catalog of over 4,000 published books since its inception. It also produces 15 scholarly journals each year.
The anniversary celebration featured panels and discussions with acclaimed authors. Some notable figures at the event included authors Sarah Bird, Toni Tipton-Martin, and Rodd McCammon, the Editor-in-Chief of Texas Monthly. Sarah Bird presented her newest work, “Juneteenth Rodeo,” which showcases photographs from Black rodeos in the late 1970s.
Casey Kittrell, editor in chief at UT Press, highlighted the impactful works that have been published over the last 75 years, demonstrating the press’s commitment to original ideas, deep research, and engaging writing. The expansion of UT Press’s catalog includes subjects such as Black history, psychology, music criticism, Texas studies, and more, reflecting a diverse range of topics that resonate with various audiences.
Throughout its history, the University of Texas Press has forged strong relationships with Texas booksellers and independent bookstores, playing an integral part in the regional literary community. The press is also actively involved in prominent events like South by Southwest and the Texas Book Festival, showcasing their commitment to promoting literature and scholarship.
The celebration not only marked a moment of reflection on the past but also an exciting glimpse into the future for UT Press, which continues to uphold high standards in publishing scholarly and creative works.
Event Highlights
- 75th-anniversary celebration of UT Press on Sept. 21, 2025.
- Public event held at Austin Central Library from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Proclamation by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declaring Sept. 21 as University of Texas Press Day.
- Participation of notable authors, including Sarah Bird, Toni Tipton-Martin, and Rodd McCammon.
- Launch of Sarah Bird’s latest work, “Juneteenth Rodeo.”
Background on University of Texas Press
Founded in 1950, UT Press stands as a pillar of the Texas literary community. As the largest publisher in the state, it has published over 4,000 books and continues to contribute significantly to academic and cultural discourse. The press remains committed to engaging writing that incorporates in-depth research across a variety of topics.
FAQ Section
When did the University of Texas Press celebrate its 75th anniversary?
The University of Texas Press celebrated its 75th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
Where did the anniversary event take place?
The anniversary event took place at the Austin Central Library downtown.
What significant proclamation was made during the event?
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed Sept. 21, 2025, as University of Texas Press Day.
How many scholarly journals does UT Press produce each year?
UT Press produces 15 scholarly journals each year.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Anniversary Date | Sept. 21, 2025 |
| Location | Austin Central Library |
| Proclamation | Sept. 21 as University of Texas Press Day |
| Total Books Published | Over 4,000 |
| Scholarly Journals Produced Annually | 15 |
| Notable Authors | Sarah Bird, Toni Tipton-Martin, Rodd McCammon |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: University of Texas Press
- KXAN
- Google Search: University of Texas Press 75th anniversary
- Community Impact
- Google Scholar: University of Texas Press 75 years
- Austin Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Texas Press
- 365 Things Austin
- Google News: University of Texas Press 75th anniversary
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