Search begins for new IU Press Director

Peter-John Leone is resigning as director of the IU Press after holding the position for three years. \n"I am proud of the fact that we restructured to respond to the change in the publishing environment," Leone said. He said adjustments also were made to digital aspects, bringing the Press "up to speed." Additionally, Leone said he found his job very rewarding because he worked with "so many wonderful professionals who are devoted and care about their work."\nIU Press is an academic, professional, not-for-profit publisher that serves the world of scholarship and culture by publishing books and journals around the nation and the world. Founded in 1950, the Press is internationally recognized as a leading academic publisher specializing in the humanities and social sciences.\nJanet Rabinowitch, IU Press editorial director, said Leone accomplished much while director. She said he reconstructed the Press by changing the management structure, which helped it run more efficiently. She also said he did some fund raising and strategic planning for the future, finding areas of technology the Press might want to explore -- for example, electronic publishing. \nThe University will conduct a national search for a new director, to be appointed hopefully next summer. Rabinowitch said the University will advertise nationally and to other universities. She said the University will appoint a committee of faculty, administration and representatives of the Press to choose a new director. The committee will be headed by Chancellor Sharon Brehm. \nThe plan is to send out the job description to a list server that is connected to 96 university presses. The search will begin at the start of the fall term and the final transition to a new director will occur in summer 2004. \n"The national search for a director will be both thorough and thoughtful. I thank Mr. Leone for his service to the Press and to the University, and wish him well in his future ventures," Brehm told the University Press in a statement. \nMoya Andrews, vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of the faculties, said the committee will go through a list of applications and shorten the list until a final decision can be made. Andrews also said Brehm will make the final decision while consulting with the committee. \nRabinowitch will serve as interim director beginning July 1. With Rabinowitch serving as interim director until a new director is appointed, Robert J. Slogan, senior sponsoring editor, will fill in as editorial director of IU Press. Over the past month, Leone has been helping Rabinowitch make the transition into his position. \n"We've had various conversations; he has reviewed with me how he does things and we've discussed what issues are now pending," Rabinowitch said. She added that the transition process will continue over the next few weeks. \nRabinowitch sees her role as making sure the Press continues to run smoothly in the coming year. "We want to continue in excellence," Rabinowitch said. Since Rabinowitch has worked for the Press since 1975, she said she feels she has a strong grip on its operation but will not apply for the permanent position. \nPeering into the future of IU Press, Andrews said, "Rabinowitch is a very experienced person. She's been at the press for a long time and understands all aspects of the press work, so I think it should be a very smooth transition."\nAs for now, Leone has no definite plans for a job but hopes to explore his options and interests. Leone moved from New York in 2000 to take the job as director of IU Press and plans to stay in Bloomington after his resignation.