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NEWS
[ Wednesday, March 17, 2004 ]

Collegian chooses new leaders

Collegian Staff Writer

Last night, The Daily Collegian's Board of Directors chose two new faces to head The Collegian staff for the 2004-05 academic year.

After much anticipation, the board elected James S. Young (junior-journalism) as editor in chief and Julie Columbus (junior-marketing) as business manager.

The board first interviewed candidates seeking to lead the news and business divisions amid staff members and other supporters, then deliberated in a closed session to make its decision.

Young competed for his position with Jennifer Brooks (junior-journalism), and Columbus vied with Greg Rubin (junior-telecommunications).

Julie Columbus (junior-marketing) as Business Manager
Julie Columbus (junior-marketing) as Business Manager


After the selections were announced, Columbus and Young expressed their eagerness to carry out a new vision for the paper next year.

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to improve the paper," Young said. "I think we can do great things."

Columbus said she hopes to improve the paper's business relations.

She said The Collegian faces competition from other newspapers, such as the Centre Daily Times.

"We need to promote The Collegian to more students," she said.

During the interview sessions, the board asked the candidates to describe their experience working on The Daily Collegian and their goals to improve the success and overall quality of the paper.

James S. Young (junior-journalism) as Editor In Chief
James S. Young (junior-journalism) as Editor In Chief


Young said his major goal is to improve the features section so it reflects ordinary students, who are the voices of Penn State. He plans to begin a profiling series next fall.

He also said he feels column writing can improve, and biographies of columnists should be included so readers
are able to get to know the writers better.

Columbus said she plans to implement new ideas to keep The Daily Collegian's readership widespread, including promotion and distribution.

"Right now we only have newsstands and handouts," she said.

But under her leadership, Columbus has ideas for promotion, such as advertising on Centre Area Transportation Authority buses, table tents and in residence halls.

Young and Columbus have learned the ropes of The Collegian through their experience working on different sections of the paper.

Throughout his three-year career, Young has served as senior education reporter, senior Undergraduate Student Government reporter, metro chief and metro editor. Columbus has been an account executive for the sales department for one year.

Although Columbus' short tenure on staff was called into question by the board, she confidently asserted her capabilities.

"I was called to help fill positions for the summer, and I think I've made my home here," she said.

Young will take over for Lynne Funk (senior-journalism) and Columbus will replace Rebecca Novac (senior-journalism).

During their interviews, both Young and Columbus stressed that they want to take the paper to new heights while maintaining open communication with staff members and motivating those around them.

"Enthusiasm is contagious," Young said.

 

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Updated: Thursday, January 06, 2005  4:41:02 PM  -4
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