The Association of University Presses is concerned to learn of Trinity University’s plan to close its press at the end of 2026.
Since its revival in 2002, supported by a generous endowment grant from the San Antonio-based Ewing Halsell Foundation, Trinity University Press has published widely in history, nature, social justice, and Texas art and culture. Its local and regional publications—including 300 Years of San Antonio and Bexar County, edited by Claudia R. Guerra; Spurs Nation, by the San Antonio Express-News; and many works in its Maverick Books imprint– are much beloved. The press counts the Witte Museum, the El Paso Museum of Art Foundation, and the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies at Southern Methodist University among its donors, and former San Antonio mayors Lila Cockrell, Henry Cisneros, and Nelson Wolff among its authors as well.
A member of this association since 2018, the press has earned national and international renown for its environmental and built environment lists, including works such as The Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness by Rebecca Solnit, Wild Spectacle: Seeking Wonders in a World beyond Humans by Janisse Ray, Saving San Antonio: The Preservation of a Heritage by Lewis F. Fisher (who also edits the press’s Maverick imprint), and several works edited, written, or inspired by National Book Award winner Barry Lopez, such as Home Ground: A Guide to the American Landscape and Outside: Stories.
In addition, the press recently launched a timely new imprint, Tinta Books, focused on Mexican and Mexican American history, culture, and current affairs—one of the few such dedicated imprints in the country.
The press’s staff has also offered hand-on experiential learning to numerous Trinity undergraduate students through professional internships, equipping more than 125 students over the past ten years alone with valuable professional experiences to jumpstart their careers.
AUPresses leadership has reached out to Trinity University officials to offer our community’s assistance and insights as planning for the press proceeds. We remain hopeful that a mutually beneficial reimagination of the press will be possible.