Letter from the director, Glenda Cotter

After 17 years as director and over 30 years with the press, our director, Glenda Cotter, retired on June 30, 2026. Before she left, she wrote a letter for our Fall 2026 catalog. Read it below and see our Fall 2026 catalog here.

The Dean of the Marriott Library, Sarah Shreeves said this about Glenda and the press, “When I came on board three years ago, the Press and its long history was part of the reason why Utah was so appealing to me. When we think about institutions that endure, we often focus on the buildings, services, or traditions. But the truth is that institutions are sustained by people whose dedication and steady leadership shape their character over time. for the University of Utah Press, Glenda Cotter has been one of those people. Those who have worked with Glenda know that her leadership style has never been about seeking attention. Rather, it has been characterized by thoughtfulness, integrity, patience, and a genuine commitment to the people around her. She has been a mentor, a colleague, an advocate, and a trusted guide to countless authors and staff members over the years.”

Glenda, thank you for your service and your leadership. We will miss you.

Letter from the director:

Within the pages of this catalog you will find new books that in many ways represent the work of the University of Utah Press over its more than seven decades. Publishing the results of the Glen Canyon Archaeological Salvage Project became one of the Press’s urgent early goals and started us on the way to our long and important efforts to publish archaeology from across the hemisphere; you’ll find new volumes added to that long list here. You’ll also find essential new titles in Utah history and Mormon studies, books about the natural world, and new titles from the diverse and authentic voices that we so value as a scholarly publisher—all works that we feel honored to bring to you, readers and scholars. Not everything can be represented in one seasonal catalog, of course, and titles in sustainability and on the Great Salt Lake—two of the subjects about which I feel most passionate—will be forthcoming in future catalogs.

As my final catalog before retiring from the Press after more than seventeen years as its director, I recall not only the books but the many authors, scholars, partners, and colleagues with whom I’ve shared this path. I reflect often on the singular honor of working with so many authors to help them publish books that have moved us, inspired us, and added to our collective knowledge of the world and the human condition. Thanks to you all for the opportunity and for your trust. Also reflected here is the good work of the Press’s fine professional staff to make these books possible. You will not find people more committed to the work they do and will continue to do. I cannot thank them enough—it’s been a privilege to work with each of them. We have worked together to create the books that you can hold in your hands or study on your e-Reader, that you can purchase from your local bookseller or check out from your library. Thank you for reading and continuing to read. May each day bring new bookish discoveries, new delights, and new understanding. Truly, it has been an honor and a pleasure to have had my part in these explorations.

Sincerely,
Glenda Cotter

Director, The University of Utah Press, 2009 – 2026