Incoming Editor-in-Chief
My mom has always taught me that everything happens for a reason. When I applied for the reporter position at The Vancougar last fall, I never would have imagined that decision would lead me to the editor-in-chief position less than a year later. Yet here I am! Working for this small news organization has been a highlight of my college career, and it just keeps getting better. I’ve learned more about myself, my campus and my peers than I ever thought possible. When your job is to be the voice of the students, you develop listening skills that open your eyes and ears to things you wouldn’t see if you weren’t seeking them out.
I remember the proud feeling of picking up the issue with my very first article in it; I remember my first staff meeting where we discussed things happening around campus, potential story pitches and critiques of the last issue that was on stands. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, this is really cool. How did I get so lucky?” And here I am asking myself again, how I got so lucky to now be in a leadership position with a team and organization I have grown to love. I’ve learned a lot and I still have a lot to learn. Lucky for me, I get to work and learn alongside talented reporters, editors, layout managers and overall good people.
Steven Cooper, the outgoing editor-in-chief, has been a shining role model in my time at the paper. He encouraged me to get more involved with the team, help out on layout days, distribute new issues around campus, apply for the team editor position and ultimately the editor-in-chief position. At first, I thought no way! Editor-in-Chief? Me? That’s a huge deal! However, Steven Cooper, our managing editor Nick Freese, our advisor Raul Moreno, and all of my VanCougar team saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. They saw my passion for the paper. They saw my eagerness for change and a yearning for the highest quality product possible. If it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am today with The VanCougar. This privilege is something I don’t take lightly. I cannot wait to get started on production for next year and building our team. I know that everything happens for a reason and I’m ready for whatever comes our way.
Best,
Bailley Simms
2018-2019 Editor-in-Chief
Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
I am writing this letter as a graduate of only a few days. My time at this publication has come to an end. Only now am I able to truly appreciate the role this publication has played in my life. Nothing has impacted my educational experience more than my time at The VanCougar, and looking over the past year, I am amazed at everything this publication has accomplished.
I began about a year ago as managing editor. I had no plans of ever becoming editor-in-chief, but things don’t always go according to plan. After producing only three issues in the fall semester, the publication faced major challenges, culminating in the previous editor-in-chief resigning. It certainly was not the easiest way to assume leadership, but with the support of the Student Media Board, I was appointed to the editor-in-chief role.
Now, almost eight months later, I am enthralled with how far we have come. With additional training and support, our staff has produced relevant and impactful stories delivered in an engaging format. The majority of the credit certainly goes to my amazing staff. Nicholas Freese, the managing editor who filled my original position, has done an amazing job of recruiting skilled reporters, editors and managers, ensuring the inner workings of the publication function smoothly. Under the direction of our Layout editor Marco Morales-Mendoza, our print issues have departed from traditional copy-and-paste formatting to more unique and engaging layouts. Social Media Manager July Canillao has boosted our online presence from nearly nothing to thousands of views a week. Readership online now surpasses print. We also partnered with Koug Radio to produce a news broadcast every two weeks that coincides with our print issues. We even won 7th place “Best in Show” by the Associated Collegiate Press at its March convention in Long Beach, California.
I have no doubt that The VanCougar will achieve even better things next year. Incoming Editor-in-Chief Bailley Simms has done amazing work in her time both as a reporter and as a team editor this year. She also has ambitious and well defined plans to continue and improve The VanCougar’s recent efforts to expand readership and improve quality. On several occasions I’ve heard her say, “Working at The VanCougar is a privilege.” From her own work ethic you can tell she believes it, and I know that that is an attitude and message she will continue to promote next year. I may no longer be editor-in-chief or a student, but you can be sure I will continue to be one of The VanCougar’s most avid readers.
The VanCougar encompasses what I care about the most. Journalism ignited a passion in me for communication, reasoning, research and argument. For some journalists, the holy grail is publishing breaking news before anyone else. For me, the best stories are the ones that dig deep—stories that move aside the smoke and mirrors, reveal the facts and answer important questions. I start next fall as a student at the University of Oregon School of Law, and I thank journalism for getting me there above anything else. Communication, reasoning, research and argument are all essential skills for a lawyer, and journalism has given me both passion and experience in those areas.
I am going to miss The VanCougar and everyone that works here, but I know it will be left in good hands. I also know that new and highly skilled people are regularly joining our publication. If you are looking for a job on campus, I highly encourage you to consider The VanCougar. Positions become available on a semiregular basis, and the publication is always interested in skilled students with a passion for journalism. But even if you only remain a reader, I encourage you to pay close attention to this publication next year. I see great things in the future.
Sincerely,
Steven Cooper
2017-2018 Editor-in-Chief
In this excerpt from The VanCougar’s broadcast on Koug Radio, Bailley Simms and Steven Cooper talk about plans for the publication next year and how journalism has impacted them.