UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — After 27 years at Penn State University Press, Jennifer Norton, associate director and editorial, design and production manager, will retire on Oct. 15.
As editorial, design and production manager, Norton has ushered hundreds of Penn State University Press books through the production process, arranging printing and binding, managing production costs, performing quality assessments, and curating the overall presentation of a book, among other duties. Norton has also built strong relationships with printers, freelance designers, and other partners to foster excellence throughout the production process and to reinforce Penn State University Press’s global reputation as a university press leader.
“I launched my career in graphic design nearly 40 years ago, but it wasn’t until 1999 — when I left New York City to accept a job as a book designer with PSU Press — that my work truly became my passion," Norton said. "As I grew into that role and advanced into management, I was fortunate to have been mentored by some of the most knowledgeable and generous people in the industry. I am grateful to have worked with wicked smart, creative and dedicated colleagues, some of whom allowed me the great privilege of mentoring them.
"Now, as I leave the Press, I am thankful for so much and beholden to so many, especially our EDP team, whose members have been a genuine joy to work with, and with whom sharing a laugh has always been a priority. I will miss them, not just for their spirit and good humor but for their courageous, unyielding resistance to the improper use of small caps,” Norton added.
Norton is well known as a production professional throughout the university press publishing industry. She has contributed to publishing listservs, engaged with professional associations like the Association of University Presses, and fought to maintain the highest quality for Penn State University Press publications. Under her tenure as the Head of Editorial, Design, and Production, the Press has won more than 40 awards among various associations for typesetting, layout, and book design. These commendations, which specifically recognize outstanding design and production, have come from the AUPresses Book, Jacket, and Journal Show; the New York Book Show; Print Magazine; AIGA’s 50books/50covers; and more.
“For more than a quarter-century, Jennifer Norton has set the standard for what a university press book can be — beautiful, durable, and made with care — and the more than 40 design and production awards the Press has won under her leadership prove it,” remarked Executive Director David Aycock. “Just as lasting is her example as a steady, generous leader who has guided Penn State University Press through some of its most uncertain years and invested deeply in the colleagues who will carry her standards forward.”
Norton’s colleagues describe her as an advocate, mentor, role model, and source of inspiration and professionalism and noted that the culture of the Editorial, Design and Production Department at Penn State University Press is a testament to her leadership. Earlier this year, Norton received the Shirley J. Davis Staff Excellence Award, an award given by the University Libraries that honors the outstanding service of employees who create a nurturing, encouraging and inspiring workplace and demonstrate excellence and professionalism in their field.
“Jennifer led our EDP department with an unparalleled commitment to quality in publishing, building a team that shares her passion for excellent book design and production," said Alex Ramos, Managing Editor and Norton’s successor as head of editorial, design and production. "She has been a devoted mentor and a strong advocate for her team, and in her roles as associate director and acting director she was an equally strong advocate for PSU Press as a whole. We are grateful for all her tireless work, and we will miss working alongside her every day,”
As a vital component of the University community, the Press reflects many of the University’s academic strengths in the liberal arts. Overall, the press publishes about 80 books and 80 journal titles — approximately 175 issues — annually. Titles published under the Penn State University Press imprint include academic publications by researchers around the world in a number of fields and disciplines for a global readership. Those under the Eisenbrauns imprint include academic books about the languages, archaeology, and history of the ancient Near East. The Graphic Mundi imprint includes graphic novels for popular audiences that speak to social, environmental, and contemporary cultural issues.
PSU Press also recognizes its special responsibility to develop publications about Pennsylvania, both scholarly and popular, that enhance interest in the region and spread awareness of the commonwealth’s history, culture and environment.