Members of the new Reflector staff, who officially took over Sunday, are easing into their new positions. The Reflector was named No. 1 newspaper in the South in 2007. Reflecting on the 2007 and 2008 year, outgoing editor in chief Tyler Stewart said the paper has evolved a lot this year, especially in design.
“We have had an influx of talent and a lot of hard work that translated into garnering awards,” Stewart said.
Junior communication major Erin Kourkounis, who served as news editor this year, is taking over as editor in chief.
The editor in chief manages the editorial staff, serves as a staff moderator when needed and always has the final say, Kourkounis said.
“There is always room for improvement, and I am hoping that we will only improve,” she said.
The new staffers are talented and will work well together, she said.
During Stewart’s time as editor, Kourkounis said the most improvement was made on the design of the paper.
She said she plans to find some new ideas for the paper during the summer.
Carl Smith replaced Kourkounis as news editor. Smith expects the Reflector staff to be hardworking and eager to write news stories.
“I would like to have everyone writing as much as they can handle and increase the amount of stories online,” he said.
Smith said he understands how much work and dedication it takes to produce a great paper.
“It’s a lot of long hours, but it’s all worth it when you get to hold the finished product,” he said.
Former staff writer Sarah Dale Simpkins has taken over the position of assistant news editor.
Senior communication major Matt Watson is beginning his second year as opinion editor.
During the past year, there have been a lot of interesting events going on that people could talk about in the opinion section, Watson said.
“[The opinion writers] have all been fun to work with and a lot of fun to be around,” he said.
He expects to have a few different opinion writers next year.
“[They] are very capable of articulating things that people care about and want to hear about,” Watson said.
Former entertainment editor David Breland will tackle the position of managing editor.
“I really enjoyed being entertainment editor and covering really great events,” he said. “Now I’m looking forward to helping the incoming editors have the same great experience I did.”
Junior communication major Kyle Wrather will replace Breland as entertainment editor.
“I hope we can expand the section to cover diverse and interesting arts that really appeal to students here at State,” Wrather said. “It’s just such a wonderful opportunity to serve the students of Mississippi State University.”
Wrather hopes to expand on current entertainment features.
“I’m hoping we can build on the ‘What’s in Your Playlist’ feature, and create other ways to interact with what the students are interested in,” he said.
Photography editor Bud Sorey, copy editor Josh Starr and chief designer Andrew Le will remain in their positions for the upcoming year.
The new online editor has not yet been chosen. Current online editor C.J. LeMaster is temporarily filling the position until a new online editor is hired.
The final issue of the spring semester will be printed April 25.
The Reflector will print an orientation edition for new freshmen and transfers who visit during the summer.