I have had a long and successful relationship with Pennsylvania State University Press (PSUP). Under the direction of the great Sandy Thatcher, the press published the first edition of my book, Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical, in 1995. In 1999, Mimi Gladstein and I coedited Feminist Interpretations of Ayn Rand, an anthology for PSUP’s “Re-reading the Canon” series. And in 2000, PSUP published the conclusion to my “Dialectics and Liberty Trilogy”: Total Freedom: Toward a Dialectical Libertarianism.
After 20 years as PSUP Director, Sandy moved to Texas and in July 2009, Patrick Alexander assumed that role. Patrick began his career at PSUP in 2007, as associate director and editor-in-chief. In his capacity as Director of the press, he worked toward PSUP’s acquisition of Eisenbrauns, an imprint focused on ancient Near East and biblical studies. He also launched the trade graphic novel imprint, Graphic Mundi and PSU Press Unlocked—an open access initiative that brought countless titles in the humanities and social sciences to a wider audience.
In 2012, I was approached by Patrick with three splendid proposals. First, as part of the Press’s efforts to expand eBook visibility, Patrick wanted to move forward with Kindle editions of Russian Radical and Total Freedom. Second, Patrick thought it was time for PSUP to issue a second edition of Russian Radical that would include a new preface, extended sections, and three new appendices, bringing together my post-Russian Radical historical and archival research into Rand’s university education and a newly authored reply to critics. Third, Patrick proposed that The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies, founded in 1999, join the PSUP Journals Program. That program was one of the jewels of Patrick’s tenure, as he grew the journals list from eleven titles to over eighty, which included periodicals associated with 50 scholarly organizations, societies, or university departments.
And so, in 2013, the Kindle editions of my books, a second edition of Russian Radical, and the commencement of the Penn State University Press era of JARS began—all due in no small measure to Patrick’s enthusiasm, insight, and remarkable support. JARS experienced an exponential growth in its scholarly reach and impact with Patrick’s guidance and the diligent commitment of his magnificent team, with which I had the honor and pleasure of working for eleven years. And when it came time for those of us at JARS to move on to other adventures, Patrick gave us the opportunity to go out with a bang—a grand double-issue finale in July 2023. While Patrick was sad to see us complete our journey, he paid me an enormous tribute when he told me personally that he knew of no editor who gave as much energy and attention to detail as I had. Speaking to Patrick, it was impossible not to be deeply touched by his kindness, his generosity, and the depth of his empathy as a human being. I also loved his gallows sense of humor that could help navigate through some of life’s ups and downs. In the end, Patrick and his team enabled JARS to conclude our 2+ decade run on our own terms with “grace” and “elegance”—his words.
In January 2024, after a 40-year publishing career that included 14 years with PSUP, Patrick retired.
Over the past 30+ years, I have felt very much a part of the Penn State University Press family. So, it is with great sadness that I have just learned about a death in the family.
Patrick Alexander passed away on May 20, 2024, after battling acute myeloid leukemia. The grief among his family, friends, and colleagues has been palpable. I want to extend my deepest condolences to anyone whose life was touched by Patrick. I share in your grief—and share in the joy of having known him.
The family is planning a virtual memorial service and has set up a memorial fund to support PSUP’s acquisitions in religious studies and Near Eastern studies, areas of specialization about which Patrick was profoundly passionate.
Rest in peace, my friend.
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