Passions Stirred by Threatened Closure of University of Missouri Press

In an op-ed piece published in the Columbia Daily Tribune yesterday, William Least Heat-Moon, author of books including the best-selling “Blue Highways,” decried the decision of University of Missouri president Timothy Wolfe to close the university’s press. Mr. Heat-Moon’s thoughtful and detailed analysis of the situation ended by backing his criticism of the decision with a pledge to contribute a five-figure sum toward “the establishment of an endowment to continue the press in its present form if the proposal for closure is rescinded.”

Heat-Moon ended his impassioned plea by saying: “I hope other people disturbed by the shuttering will join me with a contribution appropriate to their means. Mr. President, call me.”

Today, the Association of American University Presses added their voice to the cause, issuing a statement in support of maintaining the press and applauding Mr. Heat-Moon’s proposal.

The AAUP is also reaching out to President Wolfe, saying:

“Surely the University and the state deserve better. We applaud Mr. Heat-Moon's willingness, as the saying goes, to put his money where his mouth is. The Association of American University Presses doesn't have the financial resources to contribute to a fundraising campaign for the Press, but we do have other resources, including a wealth of information and professional experience, that we would be more than happy to contribute. Mr. President, call us.”

Read Heat-Moon’s article here: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/jul/15/fit-for-print/

Read the AAUP's statement here: http://www.aaupnet.org/news-a-publications/news/789-aaup-statement-on-the-%20university-of-missouri-press