UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Dan Waterman, former editor-in-chief of the University of Alabama Press, has been named acquisitions editor of Penn State University Press’s Eisenbrauns imprint, effective March 4.
“As the Eisenbrauns imprint enters its 50th year, there is no better way to affirm its vitality, honor its legacy, and chart its future than by welcoming Dan Waterman as its new acquisitions editor. Dan’s expertise and vision will undoubtedly propel this renowned publishing program into a bold new era of field-shaping scholarship in ancient Near Eastern studies, archaeology, and the Hebrew Bible,” said David Aycock, executive director of Penn State University Press.
Waterman held various positions at the University of Alabama Press during the 24 years he worked there, the last 16 of which he served as editor-in-chief. Over his career, he has acquired hundreds of scholarly and general interest books across a multitude of fields.
“I’m honored that Penn State University Press has asked me to take on this role in serving and nurturing the storied Eisenbrauns imprint. For decades a vibrant and dynamic home for some of the most consequential scholarship in the multidisciplinary fields of ancient Near Eastern studies, Eisenbrauns is graced already with a stellar group of authors, series editors and board members with whom I’m thrilled to be collaborating. It’s a rare and exhilarating chance to pivot entirely within the world of scholarly publishing — an unexpected second act that challenges me in new ways and for which I feel profoundly fortunate,” Waterman said.
“Dan is a consummate publishing professional whose acquisitions work has illuminated a number of academic fields. I can’t imagine a better fit for the role of Eisenbrauns editor at PSU Press. The imprint is sure to benefit from his considerable strengths in book editing, list-building, and organizational leadership,” said Kendra Boileau, editor-in-chief of Penn State University Press.
Established in 1975 by Jim and Merna Eisenbraun primarily as a means for students to purchase affordable books in ancient Near Eastern studies, Eisenbrauns grew over the years to include a publishing program, a pre-press house, and a book distribution and sales service. In 2017, Eisenbrauns' highly regarded publications in ancient Near Eastern studies, biblical studies, biblical archaeology, Assyriology, linguistics and related fields became an imprint of Penn State University Press, where the books and journals have complemented PSU Press’ lists in religious studies and Jewish studies. To learn more about the Eisenbrauns imprint, visit www.eisenbrauns.org.