The Daily Collegian's Board of Directors selected two new Collegian leaders for the next academic year.

After interviewing the candidates and deliberating behind closed doors, the board chose Jennette Hannah (junior-journalism) as editor in chief and Clay Kohler (junior-broadcast journalism) as business manager last night.

Hannah and Kohler agreed that the top priority for next year is increasing readership.

"I want to get us to do more outside of the Collegian," Kohler said. "We need to connect more with the student body."

Hannah said that she wants the paper to reach more students.

"We're not reaching freshmen," she said.

"We need to offer things that can only be found in a college newspaper. We need to have more fun while keeping up the high quality," she added.

Though Kohler had no competition for the business manager position, Hannah competed with current Managing Editor (news) Bridget Smith (junior-journalism).

Hannah has served as a local economy reporter, campus editor and metro editor. Kohler has served as a layout specialist.

Hannah said she hopes to attract more readers in the coming year.

"I think there's a lack of hard news," she said.

"People like to read about the latest controversy and criminal activity," Hannah added.

Kohler hopes to start using advertising on The Digital Collegian, the Collegian's Web site.

"I want to add more advertising and increase revenue. I want to do stuff that will get our name out. I hope we can get some national advertisements [on the Web site]," he said.

Kohler will replace Julie Columbus (senior-marketing) and Hannah will replace James S. Young (senior-journalism).

Young said he thinks Hannah will do a fantastic job.

"She's bringing in lots of fresh ideas that are really going to improve the paper," he said. "She's been extremely dedicated to the Collegian, and she'll be learning all about it."

Hannah said she plans to offer Smith a position as managing editor (news).

"With Bridget and me at the helm, it's gonna be amazing," Hannah said.

"There's no one I'd rather work with than Bridget," she said. "[The position is] hers if she wants it."

Kohler said he would be comfortable working with either applicant.

"I look forward to working with both of them next year," he said.

Kohler and Hannah said they are excited about their new Collegian positions.

"My heart is in this place," Hannah said.