Aaron Johnson
On Friday, Bernell Dorrough was named as Editor-in-Chief of Student Life for the 2002-2003 school year by the Board of Directors of Washington University Student Media, Inc., the newspaper’s publisher.
Dorrough is a sophomore who works as a news editor for Student Life. He also serves as a member of the Student Life Editorial Board. He will take control of the paper at the end of March, after next year’s staff has been hired.
“Being named editor in chief was quite honestly the proudest moment of my life. I know that through the help of the staff, we will help to make Student Life and Cadenza the best publications that they can be in the upcoming year,” Dorrough said.
Last year, Dorrough began working for Student Life as a news reporter, and became the Student Union beat reporter.
Dorrough is enthusiastic about his new position and has an optimistic view about the future of Student Life.
“I hope to expand our coverage of news on campus, provide more thorough, researched views in the opinion section, and revamp Cadenza to make it more reader-friendly-all while streamlining our production process to make it easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable for our staff.”
The current Student Life leadership expressed confidence in Dorrough’s selection.
“Because of his abilities and perspectives on management that he stated in his application, Bernie has the potential to lead a staff where everyone will feel that they have ownership of Student Life, because all of their ideas and insights are reflected in the direction the paper takes in the next year,” said current Co-Editor in Chief Bill Bulman.
Student Life General Manager Andrew O’Dell added, “Bernie will continue the great tradition of Student Life and build on the success past years. I have no doubt his enthusiasm for the paper will be infectious and in turn lead to a better product for the campus community.”
Dorrough commented that though he was excited about his new position, he hoped for no hard feelings between himself and current Senior News Editor Allison Barrett and News Editor Brendan Watson, who ran as a pair against Dorrough.
“The most difficult part of receiving the position was that it meant Allison and Brendan could not have it. They are two of the most talented, dedicated people I’ve ever met – not to mention two of my best friends. I hope both of them will play an integral role in Student Life next year,” Dorrough said.
The Board of Directors of Washington University Student Media Inc., Student Life’s publisher, interviewed the applicants on Friday before making their final decision, based upon their applications and interviews, and the recommendation of the staff.
The Editor-in-Chief hires the editorial staff, ultimately oversees the entire production of the newspaper, and makes all final editorial decisions.
Student Life is staffed by Washington University undergraduates and is editorially and financially independent from WU.
Contact Laura at laura.lieberman@studlife.com