Please join us in welcoming our new incoming director — Michelle Sybert!

Sybert, assistant director, University of Notre Dame Press, has been appointed as the next director of the University of Illinois Press effective July 1, pending formal approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its July 17 meeting.

She succeeds Laurie Matheson, who retired May 31 after serving the Press for 29 years.

Sybert joined the University of Notre Dame Press in 2019, where she started as the sales and development director and was promoted to assistant director in 2021. Before that, she served in various roles at the Indiana University Press.

Sybert has played an active role in the Association of University Presses, the flagship professional association for the industry. She served on two annual meeting program committees, including a role as co-chair. She has also served as a mentor to five professionals through the AUP Mentorship Program.

Sybert was selected from a very robust candidate pool in a national search. She brings several exciting and innovative ideas and looks forward to joining the University of Illinois System.

Sybert noted, “The University of Illinois Press has a long history of leadership and service in scholarly publishing and on campus, championing exceptional scholarship and unique educational partnerships like Free People Read Freely, the Chicago Monuments Project: Pilsen Latina Histories, and the CARLI Library Partnership Pilot Program. I am delighted to join the team in writing the next chapter of a press that strives to be ‘altogether extraordinary,’ serving and transforming students and faculty of the University of Illinois campuses, the people of Illinois, and the global scholarly community.”

Until Sybert’s arrival in July, Sarah Gantz, associate vice president for academic initiatives and policies, will lead the Press.

We’re happy to have you, Michelle!