Washington State University Press is throwing open its doors to the public in a nod to its recent relocation, and it's doing so with an event that puts the heart of the Northwest's literary and ecological consciousness on full display. Scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13, at Holland Library's former first-floor lobby, the open house spans from 3-5 p.m. and will feature a trio of renowned Pacific Northwest authors ready to dish on their experiences and expertise, as reported by Washington State University. A reception at Terrell Library, suite 120, will cap off the celebration.
Among the panelists is Richard D. Scheuerman, a respected name in the teaching and historical circles. Scheuerman, according to a WSU release, brandishes an impressive educational background with stints at institutions including Seattle Pacific University and WSU itself. With more than 10 books to his name and accolades, such as the Washington State Historical Society’s Robert Gray Medal, he represents a venerable bridge between academia and the storied past of the region.
Thomas Bancroft, an ecologist and lensman whose eye for nature is as sharp as his scholarly research, will also grace the panel. Bancroft's insights on avian conservation have reached audiences far beyond his classroom, evidenced in his contributions to The Mountaineers and at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Likewise, Jack Nisbet, teacher, and nonfiction writer, joins the lineup with his deep-dive essays and biographies that magnify the Pacific Northwest's lush history through a human lens.
Last year's budgetary scythe nearly clipped the wings of WSU Press, but a strategic move under the stewardship of Provost Chris Riley-Tillman and Interim Dean Trevor Bond saw it nestle into the safety of the WSU Libraries. Bond and Linda Bathgate, WSU Press Editor-in-Chief, have been resourceful in reducing costs and scouting additional funding sources, with Bathgate remarking on the press's good fortune in becoming part of the libraries. "We want to optimize this relationship through book talks, presentations, and events highlighting the ways in which WSU Press and the libraries support the university’s land-grant mission and provide the region with key resources for study and research," Bathgate said, per the university's announcement.
