Speer Morgan, who was named director of the University of Missouri Press Monday, was not really a surprise. Rumors had circulated for weeks that he, The Missouri Review and student interns may be involved in a new “model” for the university press.

Morgan, an English professor, published novelist and editor of the Review, said in an interview today that he knows reorganizing the press is going to be a lot of work, even calling it “daunting.” He also said the Mizzou chancellor and provost were “brave” to take on the press, which like virtually all academic presses must be supported by university money or outside gifts.

The university system, which oversees all four Missouri campuses, ended its financing of the press starting July 1.

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