The Spectrum’s editorial board elected Hannah Stein, a sophomore English major, as the editor in chief for the 2017-18 school year. Stein ran unopposed.
“I know I still have a lot to learn, but I started [at The Spectrum] my first week here and I’ve always had that interest in journalism,” Stein said. “I’m really excited about it – being voice for others on campus is one of the most important things, talking about issues that matter.”
Stein looks to improve the publication’s social media presence and to connect with more students outside of the newspaper.
“If we use Snapchat or Facebook Live from games, protests or events, students will inevitably rely on us more,” Stein said. “It will inspire them to read our content.”
Stein will be the first editor in chief since 2012 to be a junior, not a senior.
She feels her experience at The Spectrum has prepared her for this position, despite her youth.
“We are the future of the newspaper,” Stein said. “We are as strong as the work we put into it and I’m very optimistic about next year.”
Gabriela Julia, the current editor in chief, believes Stein is the right person for the job.
“She’s one of the most hardworking people that I know,” Julia said. “The fact that she’s willing to be up late and stay in the office, to help me with editing – I know I can trust her to cover something important. In order to be an editor in chief, you have to be able to tell other people to cover events and to know how to cover stories yourself, so I think she’s qualified.”
Stein’s other ideas for the upcoming year include: creating more polls and interactive media online, and to recruit more columnists to discuss more niche topics including fashion, technology and politics. Stein also looks to improve the staff’s writing, editing and photography skills through regular workshops.
Stein also looks to host fundraisers, since The Spectrum is an independent publication and relies upon advertisements for funding.
“This money could potentially go to more and better video equipment and conferences or other training for editors,” Stein said. “We can also use it towards regalia that we can give out when we table in the Student Union.”
Ashley Inkumsah, a senior English major, served as the co-senior news editor alongside Stein this past school year.
Inkumsah thinks Stein has a lot of heart, is very motivated and understanding.
“I know The Spectrum will be her first priority and she will put her heart and soul into the paper,” Inkumsah said. “No one is more fit for the job than Hannah.”
Marlee Tuskes, the senior news editor from the 2015-16 school year, endorsed Stein in her candidacy. Tuskes worked alongside Stein on the news desk during Stein’s first semester as an editor.
“Her dedication and passion made it easy to trust her with topics many seasoned journalists struggle with,” Tuskes said. “It was because of this that Hannah was promoted to assistant news editor without hesitation just months into her time at UB.”
Stein hopes to continue to promote the strength of the paper and the closeness of the staff. When she addressed the editorial board, Stein earnestly offered her assistance and presence for her fellow editors.
“I would like to sit down with each of you to hear your goals and hopes for our paper and our future,” Stein said.
Tori Roseman is the managing editor and can be reached at news@ubspectrum.com
