TAA Joins AAC&U Public Statement on ‘Call for Constructive Engagement’

TAA Executive Director Kim Pawlak has signed a statement, recently released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), from numerous college and university presidents and leaders of scholarly societies in response to ongoing actions by the federal government affecting higher education.

The educational and nonprofit leaders were convened by AAC&U and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The statement, titled “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” marks the first time current presidents have spoken out collectively in large numbers about these issues. “We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the statement says.

Charles ‘Chuck’ Corbin Inducted into TAA Council of Fellows

Health and physical education textbook author Charles “Chuck” Corbin was inducted into the TAA Council of Fellows, which recognizes distinguished authors who have a long record of successful publishing. Any author whose textbook or other instructional and academic works have established his/her presence in scholarly publishing over time and who has been innovative in the presentation of material, is qualified for nomination into the TAA Council of Fellows. Induction into the Council of Fellows is the premier honor bestowed by TAA.

On behalf of the association and its Awards Committee, TAA Board President Paul Krieger, said: “I extend our warmest congratulations on your induction into the 2025 TAA Council of Fellows. This well-deserved honor recognizes not only your extraordinary accomplishments as an author, educator, and scholar but also your deep and longstanding contributions to the TAA community. Your body of work exemplifies the values and mission of TAA. It is our honor to recognize you with this distinction, and we thank you for the legacy you continue to build.”

Christine Harrington Receives 2025 TAA Author Mentoring Award

Dr. Christine Harrington, a professor in the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy at Morgan State University, has been awarded a 2025 Author Mentoring Award from the Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA).

TAA’s Authoring Mentoring Award is given to a teacher, administrator, fellow author, or other professional colleague who takes extraordinary care to encourage and advise earlier career authors.

On behalf of the association and its Awards Committee, TAA Board President Paul Krieger, said: “This honor is a testament to your unwavering dedication to mentoring emerging scholars, your generous spirit in sharing knowledge and experience, and your tireless efforts to amplify diverse voices in academic publishing.

Steven Barkan Receives 2025 TAA Social Justice Award

Steven Barkan, textbook author and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Maine, has been awarded a 2025 TAA Social Justice Award from the Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA).

TAA’s Social Justice Award recognizes individuals that make a significant contribution to authoring or educating academic authors in social justice, human rights, and/or diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strong nominees have the following characteristics: have authored a work or works that address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a meaningful way or have provided trainings or other efforts to improve how academic authors address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their writing.

Congratulations to the 2025 TAA Conference Scholarship Recipients

We are thrilled to announce the five TAA members who have been awarded a 2025 TAA Conference Scholarship: Akua Oppong-Anane, West Virginia University; Nathan Camp, New Mexico State University; Elizabeth Frasco, New York University; Gabriela Peterson, New Mexico State University; and Renee Blanchard Hawkins, Texas Women’s University.

This scholarship is designed to support emerging scholars and textbook writers as they grow in their academic journeys. It offers a valuable opportunity to engage with a vibrant community of peers and professionals, gain insights into the world of academic publishing, and take meaningful steps toward a successful writing career.

TAA Announces 2025 Textbook Award Winners

Fifty-four textbooks have been awarded 2025 Textbook Awards by the Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA). Nineteen textbooks received William Holmes McGuffey Longevity Awards, 19 textbooks received Textbook Excellence Awards, and 16 textbooks received Most Promising New Textbook Awards.

The McGuffey Longevity Award recognizes textbooks and learning materials whose excellence has been demonstrated over time. The Textbook Excellence Award recognizes excellence in current textbooks and learning materials. The Most Promising New Textbook Award recognizes excellence in 1st edition textbooks and learning materials. Congratulations, winners!

All are welcome to attend the 2025 Virtual Textbook Awards Ceremony, which will be held Friday, April 25, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Register here