Collegian picks business manager

By JASON T. ALT
Collegian Staff Writer

The Board of Directors of Collegian Inc. selected Randy Abrams as business manager of The Daily Collegian for the 1995-96 school year at its meeting last night.

Abrams (junior-finance) said one of his biggest challenges next year will be diversifying the Business Division staff.

"Our challenge will be minority recruitment," Abrams said. "We've been struggling with that for years."

Abrams plans to approach minority groups on campus and seek the assistance of current minority staff members to improve recruitment.

As another goal, Abrams hopes to increase past declines in sales volume by expanding the advertising coverage area.

"Randy knows what needs to be done, and he knows what he needs to do," said Danielle Gray, outgoing business manager. "I think he's going to do a tremendous job in motivating people."

Abrams, an account executive, previously served the Collegian as a layout specialist, accounting specialist, senior office representative, office representative and office trainee.

"He's got a lot of experience," said F. C. Deakin, account executive. "He's a really hard worker, and he's super-intelligent. And he's really enthusiastic, too."

Candy Heckard, advertising adviser for Collegian Inc., said Abrams' past actions indicate that he will make an excellent business manager.

"He already has the respect of the staff," Heckard said. "They already look to him for advice. He's got the charisma to be in a leadership position like this. He's got a really nice way with people."

The other candidates for business manager were Dana Dalesio (junior-marketing), Allison DeKosky (junior-health policy and administration) and Kevin Foster (junior-English). Each candidate underwent a 20-minute interview with the board of directors.

"It was unfortunate that there was only one choice that could be made," said David Day, president of the board, after more than an hour of deliberation.

Day also took the time to praise Gray for her "outstanding job" as head of the Business Division.

"Randy, you have some big shoes to fill," Day said.