The West Virginia University Press continues to grow with the addition of Morgantown native Than Saffel , hired in June as production coordinator and designer.

In this role, Saffel oversees the production of every title the Press releases, from initial concept to final printed copies.

Since joining the Press , Saffel has been working on several exciting new books, includingWelfare Reform in West Virginia,released this month andBlanche Lazzell: The Life and Work of an American Modernist.The Lazzell book celebrates the career of Blanche Lazzell, subject of an exhibit opening Sept.. 9 at the WVU Creative Arts Centers Mesaros Gallery.

Saffel is also shepherding two works of creative writing through the production process.Vivid Companion: PoemsandFidelities: Short Storiesare both slated for release in October at the West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston.

In addition, Saffel is coordinating the production of two audio CDs due out late this fall from the WVU Press s Sound Archive Collection:John Handcox: Poems and Stories of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union,and WVU professor John BeallsWondrous Love: Appalachian Chamber Music.

While studying English at WVU , Saffel served as contributing writer, artist and copy editor for the English Departments student literary magazine, Calliope . He was also a music columnist for the Daily Athenaeum . He went on to obtain a four-year studio diploma in Graphic Design and Electronic Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Mass.

Prior to joining the Press, Saffel was the co-owner and creative director of Stone Circle Productions, a communications firm he started with his wife Susan Shumaker in 1992. Together the two produced award-winning CD-ROMs and books for academic clients before returning to the Mountain State to develop their own line of Vegetarian World Guides, a travel series that is currently enjoying national circulation.

While he relished the freedom involved in freelancing, Saffel says he is happy to be involved with the Press .

There are pros and cons to working at a large institution, but in a way we have the best of both worlds here,Saffel said.We have all the resources and talent of the University community, and all of the exciting challenges associated with a small company. The Press really succeeds or fails based on the quality of products we produce, but that pressure to always do better fosters a team spirit thats contagious. So far Ive been having a great time.

If you would like to welcome the newest member of the WVU Press staff and see the new offices of the Press in WVU sWhite Hall, an open house will be held Friday, September 3, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 304-293-8400 or visitwww.wvupress.com.