Ella Chochrek, a sophomore from White Plains, N.Y., has been named the next editor-in-chief of Student Life for the 2017-2018 academic year. Currently, Chochrek serves as senior news editor and copy chief for the paper.

Her appointment was announced last Friday at the annual banquet hosted by Washington University Student Media Inc., whose board of directors, comprised primarily of alumni, oversees Student Life.

Chochrek, 19, is majoring in political science with a minor in psychology and began working for Student Life through Freshman Press, the paper’s pre-orientation program. Initially a contributing reporter for the News section, Chochrek became copy chief in January 2016 and then added the additional position of news editor last April, before becoming senior news editor last semester.

Chochrek’s strong background in breaking news reporting, content management and interviewing made her a valued member of the paper for the past year and a well-qualified candidate for her new position. Through her prior positions, Chochrek has had the chance to interview upper-level Washington University administrators such as Chancellor Mark Wrighton and Provost Holden Thorp.

Additionally, as the Student Union beat reporter, Chochrek attends weekly Treasury and Senate meetings and has helped strengthen a bridge between Student Union and Student Life.

As editor-in-chief, Chochrek will handle personnel choices for her staff, supervise the biweekly production of Student Life and manage content in the paper. Chochrek has prior experience in this role, as she served as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper, the Orange.

Chochrek hopes to expand Student Life’s online presence across social media platforms like Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter and to revive past special issues like the socioeconomic issue.

“I’m so excited to take this paper in a new direction and expand on the great work [current Editor-in-Chief] Noa [Yadidi] has done this year,” Chochrek said.

Yadidi noted Chochrek’s passion for journalism and versatility across all sections of the paper.

“I think moving forward Ella has a lot of really great ideas for the paper, and I’m excited to see how she’ll implement them,” Yadidi said.

Chochrek will begin her role as editor-in-chief on Wednesday, March 29, and serve through spring 2018.