The Collegian Inc. Board of Directors selected student leaders for the 2001-2002 academic year Feb. 27.
Jill Leonard, a senior from Mount Pleasant, Pa., was appointed editor in chief and Amy Hibbard, a senior from Lake Geneva, Wis., was elected business manager. Leonard succeeded Editor in Chief Patricia Tisak of Tampa, Fla. Hibbard took over for Business Manager Francine Sadiky of Yardley, Pa.
Leonard, a journalism major, and Hibbard, a public relations major, assumed their duties on Friday, April 27, at 6:15 a.m.
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Gerry Hamilton, general manager of The Daily Collegian, said this year's selection process for editor was one of the most difficult.
"Both applicants were very strong and it required a great deal of discussion," Hamilton said. "But I think Jill will pick up where we are right now … and lead the News Division into the coming year, building onto that success."
Leonard began working at the Collegian in Spring Semester 1999 and has served as diversity issues and administration reporter, copy editor and news editor.
Reflecting on her successor, Tisak said she is confident that Leonard will lead the paper into a successful year with concentration in areas that need improvement.
"I have full confidence in Jill's ability as we face hardships such as the competition from the Penn State Newspaper Readership Program, as well as the internal areas we need to improve upon."
Hibbard, who became a member of the Collegian during Spring Semester 2000, was named "Trainee of the Semester" and has held the position of account executive in the Collegian Business Division.
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Board President Sally Maud Robertson was pleased with the decision to elect Hibbard.
"It's very exciting when there's one candidate and she still stands out," Robertson said. "Amy will bring a lot of strength to this position."
Hibbard's leadership ability was a major factor in the board's decision.
"Leadership is not a position or title but an attitude. It's my attitude that will bring everyone together as a team," Hibbard said.
Leonard plans to focus on motivation and learning. In turn, she hopes to improve the Collegian's retention rate. Hibbard's goals include strengthening the marketing department and management training.
