The following is from an article by Rick Armon for the Akron Beacon-Journal:

“The University of Akron is rehiring UA Press workers that it let go last month and says its publishing arm will remain ‘a vibrant, active academic press.’

“’The University of Akron Press has been and will continue to be a vital part of the academic core of this institution,’ UA President Scott Scarborough said Monday in a prepared statement.

“UA axed its three Press employees last month as part of a plan to trim $40 million in expenses over the next three years, leading to speculation that the school would no longer publish books or its poetry series.

“The decision—along with other cuts—helped fuel a swell of negative publicity against the university and led to a protest last week outside the board of trustees meeting, where Scarborough and the trustees admitted that they have made mistakes when rolling out the financial plan.

“The Press editorial board had confirmed earlier Monday that the university had rehired Carol Slatter and Amy Freels. The school also previously has said that Jon Miller, associate professor of English, will serve as transitional director, taking over for UA Press Director Thomas Bacher.

“The school is moving the Press operations into its University Libraries system.

“’We will take all steps necessary to make sure it maintains its well-earned reputation as a vibrant, active academic press, and to maintain its full membership in the Association of American University Presses,’ Scarborough said. ‘It will honor all existing publishing commitments, continue to seek out new, high-quality works to add to its catalog, and proudly continue to support its nationally recognized poetry series.’”

Armon’s complete article is available at: http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/university-of-akron-recommits-to-ua-press-rehires-fired-workers-1.616894