New editor in chief selected to run summer and fall 'Wildcat'

Todd Hardy, a journalism senior and Arizona Daily Wildcat assistant news editor, was chosen April 2 to head this year's Arizona Summer Wildcat and the Arizona Daily Wildcat in the fall.

"At a large school there is a lot of diversity," Hardy said. "There is no better way for expressing opinions than in the Wildcat."

Hardy said he wants to add a column for students to discuss their opposing views on important issues.

He said these issues include parking, the Integrated Instructional Facility and renovation of the Memorial Student Union.

"Now people open up the Wildcat to read police beat," Hardy said. "I want people to read the opinions section and get more knowledge on the issues."

Hardy is the first undergraduate in two years to be chosen as editor in chief of the Daily Wildcat, said Mark Woodhams, director of student publications and the Wildcat's adviser.

"None of the applicants had extensive desk or management experience, but I think Todd will do a fine job," he said. "The time has come for people to step forward into editorial positions whether or not they think it is their time."

Woodhams said that traditionally, desk editors move into the position of editor in chief.

"That is not the case this year," he said. "There will be a real recycling of talent and it is going to be really exciting."

Hardy will replace Editor in Chief Kelly Sampson, who plans to graduate in May with a master's degree in journalism.

Sampson, who has been editor in chief since fall 1996, said she plans to seek a job in editing and design.

"One of the hardest things is trying to be a student and be the editor of the paper," she said. "You have to be two people sometimes."

To alleviate some of the job's demands, the Board of Student Publications decided this year that the editor in chief of the Daily Wildcat will serve a one-semester term instead of all year, Woodhams said.

He said that in past years, the editor in chief served from August to May. Next year, the position will be open again in the spring.

"The editor's job is very consuming and demanding. By changing mid-year, the person will get a breather and allow another to take over the reins," Woodhams said.

Both the Summer Wildcat, which is published weekly beginning June 4, and the Daily Wildcat are independently run by University of Arizona students.

The editors in chief of the Daily Wildcat and Summer Wildcat are selected by the Board of Student Publications, a combination of faculty members, students, administrators and community members.

Hardy said he is up for the challenge and wants to be an active and visible leader.

"When you're in a leadership role, you have to struggle to keep your head above water," he said. "It's a big job."