LAWRENCE — The University Press of Kansas board of trustees, composed of provosts from each of the six Kansas Regents institutions, has appointed Timothy Paulson as director of the University Press of Kansas.
“I’m thrilled to join the press and contribute to its ongoing success on behalf of the consortium universities and in service to its community of scholars and authors,” Paulson said.
Paulson will succeed interim directors Mike Haddock, who served from July 2022 to May 2023, and Kelly Chrisman Jacques, who has since held the position. Paulson currently serves as general manager at Brentwood Studios, a media production company based in Nashville, Tennessee.
As director, Paulson will serve as a focal point for organizational decision-making, strategic development and public outreach for the press. Paulson brings more than 20 years of experience in media and publishing to the press. He begins his new role Oct. 1.
Paulson will work closely with staff, editorial board members, authors, scholars and reviewers to acquire and publish scholarly and regional books. Among other responsibilities, Paulson will collaboratively develop strategies to build the publishing program of the press and promote the press to the faculty at consortium universities and other constituent groups.
“On behalf of the trustees, we are excited to have Tim join the University Press of Kansas as its next director,” said Charles Taber, chair of the UPK board of trustees and Kansas State University provost and executive vice president. “His years of leadership experience in media publishing and production will fuel the press’s continued growth and pursuit of knowledge.”
From small nonprofit publishers to multinational media companies, Paulson has held varied leadership positions, including in trade, academic and educational categories. In his most recent role, Paulson oversaw the strategy and execution of product, marketing and distribution activities for Brentwood Studios.
He previously served as vice president and publisher at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, where he oversaw the publication of multiple New York Times bestsellers, as well as general manager at Kalmbach Media. Paulson spent most of his career at 1517 Media, where he led several strategic growth initiatives, business acquisitions, market expansion efforts, new digital platform strategies and the creation of an award-winning animation studio.
Paulson earned a master’s degree in business administration from St. Cloud State University, a master’s degree in divinity from Luther Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Saint Olaf College.
The University Press of Kansas was founded in 1946 and represents the six state universities in Kansas: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University. The press is located in KU’s West District and functionally operates as a department of KU, while being governed by the board of trustees.
The press has more than 3,000 published books to its credit and publishes about 45 new books annually. The press specializes most broadly in history in addition to regional titles.
The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. The university’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world. The KU News Service is the central public relations office for the Lawrence campus.
