Member-only story
SAGE Publishing: A Pillar of Academic Knowledge
SAGE Publishing is one of the world’s leading independent academic publishers, specializing in books, journals, and digital resources across the social sciences, humanities, and increasingly the STM (science, technology, and medicine) fields. Founded in 1965 by Sara Miller McCune in New York City, the company has grown from a modest startup into a global enterprise with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Singapore, among other locations.
Origins and Mission
The name “SAGE” is derived from the initials of its founder, Sara, and her then-husband George McCune. From the outset, the company positioned itself as a champion of scholarly communication, with a particular commitment to the social and behavioral sciences at a time when many established publishers overlooked these disciplines. This early focus helped SAGE carve out a distinctive niche and build lasting relationships with academic communities.
Sara Miller McCune’s vision extended beyond commercial success. She structured the company to remain independent and mission-driven, and in later years took steps to ensure its long-term independence rather than selling to a larger conglomerate — a notable stance in an industry marked by consolidation.

