An Appreciation: Matthew Hodgson

The Institute and its authors mourn the death in June of Matthew Hodgson, retired Director of the University of North Carolina Press (1970–1992). Matt saved the Press from bankruptcy, restored it to the first rank of American university presses, gathered about him a staff that was the envy of other presses, rebuilt the press after a disastrous fire—and published the Institute’s books. He accepted in good spirit the excellent books from us as well as the outstanding, publishing them and promoting them to the highest standards of the profession. He stood by the Institute in thick and thin, a scholar and gentleman. We could ramble on indefinitely . . . . The late Steve Botein asked him in a casual moment what the most important part of his job at the Press was. “Hm . . . hm . . . just make it a good place for people to work.” And he made it a good place to work with.

Gil Kelly

Managing Editor, Publications