Dawn Durante becomes Wyndham Robertson Editorial Director at UNC Press

Dawn Durante has been named the Wyndham Robertson Editorial Director of the University of North Carolina Press. She will lead a department of twelve during a key growth period for the Press’s book program. She has been at the Press since 2022 after previously serving as the editor-in-chief at the University of Texas Press and as a senior editor at the University of Illinois Press. 

Spangler Family Director John Sherer cited Durante’s previous leadership role in making the announcement. “Dawn’s extensive experience as an editor, a manager, and a strategic thinker make her the ideal leader for the Press,” Sherer said. Sherer also thanked Debbie Gershenowitz who served as interim editorial director for the past six months. Sherer continued, “I’ll always be grateful to Debbie for her prodigious efforts these recent months. Dawn is in an excellent position to succeed because of Debbie’s many contributions.” 

Durante notes, “It is an honor to serve UNC Press and the immensely talented acquisitions team in this way. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the organization to continue the legacies of UNC Press’s greatest publishing strengths while also working to highlight and support the many growing areas of our dynamic publishing program.” 

The endowed Editorial Director position was created in 2018 with gifts from friends and family in honor of its namesake Wyndham Robertson. Robertson has long admired UNC Press beginning as Vice President for Communications at the UNC System and on the board of the Press. She was also a founding member of the Press’s Advancement Council.