Kent State University Press is the publishing arm of Kent State University, operating under the guidance of an editorial board consisting of faculty scholars. As a member of the Association of University Presses, the Press joins a prestigious group of over 100 university-sponsored scholarly presses that play a vital role in the academic and publishing communities. Established in 1965 and directed by Howard Allen, the Press initially focused on literary criticism.

Under Paul Rohmann's leadership in 1972, the publishing program expanded to include regional studies and ethnomusicology. John Hubbell took over in 1985 and further developed the staff and publishing program, gaining recognition for outstanding lists in Civil War and Ohio history. Today, the Press publishes two journals and 35 titles annually, covering fields such as history, literature, and regional studies.

Their publications actively contribute to the advancement of the humanities, as well as the preservation and promotion of a literate society