Claire C. Laurence/Arizona Daily Wildcat Aaron Mackey, a senior majoring in journalism and English who began working for the Arizona Daily Wildcat in fall 2002, will keep the reins of the paper as he assumes the post of editor in chief again for the spring semester.

Wildcat editor in chief staying on for spring

The question of who will break the eight-year-long practice of single-semester editors in chief has been answered by current Editor in Chief Aaron Mackey.

This is the first time in seven or eight years an Arizona Daily Wildcat editor in chief has served in both the fall and spring semesters, said Mark Woodhams, director of Arizona Student Media.

The pressures put upon the editor in chief make many people shy away from continuing the duties for more than one semester, Woodhams said.

"It is a big job," Woodhams said. "(The editor in chief) gets too burned out."

Mackey said he can also see why past editors have declined to work a second semester.

"It's difficult to stay motivated in the face of constant pressure," said Mackey, a senior majoring in journalism and English.

Mackey, however, has managed to keep his drive and is eager to continue his work.

"I'm honestly very excited," Mackey said. "I'm looking forward to another opportunity."

Woodhams agrees that Mackey's return will be a positive one.

"It gives him a chance to go into second gear," Woodhams said. "This is exciting for him."

Mackey, who began as a Wildcat page

designer his freshman year, said he aspired to be the editor in chief the moment he started working at the newspaper.

"From the time I walked in, I was impressed and wanted to be a part of it," Mackey said. "I wanted to offer my opinion and make improvements."

Former Editor in Chief Daniel Scarpinato, who originally hired Mackey, said he believes Mackey's willingness to learn is the reason for his success.

"He doesn't pretend to know everything," Scarpinato said. "But he certainly wants to."

A returning editor in chief means continuity for the paper, something Woodhams values a great deal.

"One semester isn't really enough to do more than hold on for the ride," Woodhams said. "The editor can only do so much."

Mackey agrees and knows the second semester will allow him to continue doing what he wants to do.

"I didn't feel there was enough time in the semester to make the changes and improvements to the paper I wanted," Mackey said. "I still feel that the people and the paper can continue to improve."

Scarpinato said he believes these improvements can already be seen in the paper.

"It shows that he has really poured his heart and soul into it," Scarpinato said.

Although the load of the editor in chief is a heavy one, Mackey is proud to contribute to the Wildcat.