Duke University Press Celebrates Its Centennial

A range of programming marks the occasion

This is a summary of a story that originally appeared on Duke Press.

This year Duke University Press will celebrate its Centennial, marking 100 years of interdisciplinary scholarship. Founded in 1926, the press has grown alongside Duke University into a leading global voice in the humanities and social sciences.

Duke University Press is known for “bold ideas that break convention” and for publishing books that “creatively forge new interdisciplinary futures,” said Editorial Director Gisela Fosado.

The Press is inviting readers, authors and scholars to engage with this legacy and look ahead to its next 100 years through a series of public events and conversations throughout the year. A range of signature events will anchor the celebration. Here is some of the programming planned for 2026:

Publishing symposium with the Franklin Humanities Institute (in person and via livestream) Spring
Online “Intellectual Publics” celebration with Senior Executive Editor Ken Wissoker, Spring
Launch and reception for the Rubenstein Library exhibit Duke University Press: A Field‑Defining Press Turns 100! August 19, 2026-February 7, 2027
Special episode of the Left of Black podcast with Mark Anthony Neal, Fall

Throughout the Centennial year, the Press will also share blog features drawn from its archives and current list, highlighting reflections from authors, editors and staff. These stories will complement the live events by tracing how Duke University Press has shaped — and continues to shape — scholarly conversations.

Stony Brook University professor Joseph Pierce, author of “Speculative Relations,” a book about indigenous art and culture, echoes this spirit, describing the Press’s work as “cutting edge and fearless,” publishing scholarship that looks toward “future worlds on the horizon.”

Together, these events and voices underscore a Centennial celebration rooted in history and oriented toward the ideas still to come. Updates on these and additional Centennial events to be announced throughout the year. https://www.dukeupress.edu/about/dupcentennial

This is a summary that originally appeared on Duke Press.