LAWRENCE, Kan. - s4story -- The University Press of Kansas is celebrating a milestone eight decades in the making. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed September 26, 2026, University Press of Kansas Day, recognizing the Press's 80th anniversary and its enduring contributions to Kansas, scholarship, and readers around the world.

Founded in 1946, the University Press of Kansas has grown from its Kansas roots into a nationally respected scholarly publisher, bringing important research and regional stories to audiences both inside and outside the academy. For 80 years, UPK has published timely books on American history, politics, law, military history, Indigenous studies, environmental policy, film, and the history and culture of Kansas and the Midwest—advancing knowledge while contributing to important scholarly and public conversations.

"Having September 26 proclaimed University Press of Kansas Day is an extraordinary honor and a wonderful recognition of the work this Press has accomplished over the past eight decades," said Kelly Chrisman Jacques, director of the University Press of Kansas. "UPK has long been more than an academic publisher. Our authors write to preserve and illuminate history, bringing insight to readers of the region, nation, and the world. This recognition belongs to the authors, staff, scholars, readers, and supporters who have made our mission possible."

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UPK's statewide mission is central to what makes the Press distinctive, because the Press represents the state's six universities: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas, and Wichita State University. From histories of the region and biographies of influential Kansans to studies of national politics, constitutional law, war, culture, and public life, UPK connects scholarship from Kansas and beyond with readers far beyond the academy, helping preserve the stories of the region while placing them in broader American and global contexts.

There could be no more fitting place to celebrate University Press of Kansas Day than at the Kansas Book Festival at Washburn University in Topeka on September 26. At 3 p.m. Chrisman Jacques will lead "Why UPK: University Press of Kansas Celebrates 80 Years," a special panel featuring UPK authors Bill Kurtis, Chelan David, Tai Edwards, Clay Wirestone, Thomas Fox Averill, and Leslie VanHolten. Festival visitors can also visit the UPK booth throughout the day to discover books and authors and celebrate eight decades of scholarship, stories, and ideas.

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As UPK celebrates this achievement, it also looks ahead—embracing innovation in digital publishing, expanding national visibility, and strengthening its connection to readers, scholars, and communities. For more information about UPK' events and publications, visit: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/.