Brett Rushforth, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new University of Utah Press (U Press) director. The position was previously held by Glenda Cotter, who retired this year after 17 years as director and over 30 years of employment.

Rushforth comes to the U from the University of Oregon, where he was an associate professor of history. Previous college professorships include the College of William and Mary and Brigham Young University. He also was a National Endowment for the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow for the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture.

As a scholar of the early modern Atlantic world, Rushforth’s research and publishing have mainly focused on early modern colonialism, slavery, material culture, legal history and religion. He is widely published in those fields, and his first book, “Colonial North America and the Atlantic World: A History in Documents,” follows the history of North America within those contexts from the 15th to 18th centuries.

“We’re excited to welcome such an avid scholar of North American history,” shared Sarah Shreeves, Alice Sheets Marriott Dean of Libraries. “With the University of Utah Press’ focus on publishing peer-reviewed books on Utah’s anthropological history, Dr. Rushforth will be a key leader in maintaining the quality of books that the press has come to be known for.”

Rushforth will be joining the U Press during the fall semester at the height of a big year of publishing. “I’m looking forward to joining the press team and being at the J. Willard Marriott Library,” explained Rushforth. “I hope not only to share my experience and knowledge, but to learn what makes Utah culture and history so unique.”

About the University of Utah Press

Founded in 1949 by then University president A. Ray Olpin, the University of Utah Press has established itself as a leader in publishing peer-reviewed books in a range of topics that includes Utah history, Mormon studies, nature writing, archaeology, sustainability and more. The U Press is not only Utah’s oldest press but has featured several writers who have gone on to win several awards, including Eleanor Ross Taylor, who would later receive the 2010 Ruth Lily Poetry Prize for lifetime achievement.