The Kent State University Press is the publishing arm of Kent State University. Our imprint is controlled by an Editorial Board composed of Kent faculty scholars. As a member of the Association of American University Presses, we are included in the select group of more than 100 university-sponsored scholarly presses, whose outstanding programs make them an important segment of the publishing and academic community.

The Press began in 1965 under the direction of Howard Allen and published in the University faculty strengths in literary criticism. In 1972 Paul Rohmann became the Press's second director and expanded the Press's publishing program to include regional studies and ethnomusicology. In 1985 historian John Hubbell assumed the directorship and for fifteen years saw the staff and publishing program grow to include widely regarded lists in Civil War history and Ohio history. Today, under director Will Underwood, the Press publishes 30 to 35 titles a year and reaches a large and appreciative audience.

First Book Competition: $2,000 for a First Book of Poems This prize is offered annually to a poet who has not previously published a full-length collection of poems. The winning volume will be published by the Kent State University Press and the winner will give a reading with the judge of the competition on the Kent State campus. Visit Wick Poetry Center's website for more details about competition; visit the KSU Press website to view past winners.

Chapbook Competitions for Ohio Poets: Poets currently residing in Ohio may enter the Open Competition. Poets currently enrolled in Ohio institutions of higher education may enter the Student Competition. Two to four manuscripts from each category are chosen each year to be published by Kent State University Press. In addition, the winners are invited to give a reading on the Kent State University campus. Maggie Anderson, director of the Wick Poetry Center, is general editor of the series. Visit Wick Poetry Center's website for more details about competition; visit the KSU Press website to view past winners.