The changing of the guard has begun.

Last night, the Collegian Inc. Board of Directors selected Tracy Risser (junior-accounting) as the new business manager and Bridget Mount (junior-journalism) as the new editor in chief. They will begin their respective one-year terms May 1.

After about 70 minutes of discussion, the board announced its decision to the candidates who calmly waited in the Collegian office.

However, the calm soon turned to excitement.

"I am really excited and eager to start in my new position," said Risser, who was the only candidate running for the position.

Assistant Business Manager Heather King said she was pleased with the board's final decision.

"I think she is ready to assume the position." said King (senior-labor and industrial relations).

Mount, presently the campus staff editor, said she felt honored and "exalted" to be chosen as the new editor.

"This is everything you work for when you work for the Collegian," she added.

The three other applicants were: Andy Hunn (junior-mineral economics); Greg Scopino (junior-journalism and sociology); and Tom Smithyman (senior-journalism).

Mount hopes to increase the amount of in-depth coverage stories and stray from "event" stories, while maintaining an aggressive attitude and staying in tune with the needs of the students.

"I would like to continue the success of the Collegian under Isabel Molina," Mount said.

Each candidate submitted written proposals and letters to the board before the 20-minute interview. There are 11 voting members of the board but only nine were in attendance at last night's meeting.

Molina said Mount's experience, professionalism and her relationship with reporters would guarantee her succes as editor.

"She's a real go-getter," Molina said. "She's going to take the Collegian one step further next year."

Other staff members agreed.

"I think she'll do a fine job," said Stephanie Sprenkle (sophomore-English). "She'll handle everything really well."

Rosa Eberly, president of the board, said all the candidates for the editor-in-chief position were "stellar" and the board ultimately looked for someone who could continue unifying the entire staff.

"It was a win/win situation," she said.