News editor selected for Wildcat's top spot

Katherine K. Gardiner Arizona Daily Wildcat News editor Tom Collins has been selected editor in chief of the Arizona Daily Wildcat for the spring semester.

The Student Publications Board has chosen Wildcat news editor, Tom Collins, to fill the paper's top post. Collins replaces Editor in Chief Todd Hardy, who will graduate this month with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

Collins, a journalism junior, will officially take the reins on Wednesday, after the Wildcat publishes its final edition of the fall semester. He will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of about 110 student employees.

Because of the demanding nature of the position, the board implemented a new policy this year - reducing the term of editor in chief from a year to one semester.

Last month, the board began accepting applications for the spring semester.

"I think every one was thrilled with the quality of applicants," said director of student publications Mark Woodhams. He said it proved a mid-year change could be made without jeopardizing the quality of the candidate pool.

Woodhams said he believes Collins' position as news editor this fall gave him the edge over the other two finalists because of the board's desire to have a smooth transition.

"Tom as news editor this past fall was essential in the development of many of the young reporters," Woodhams said. "He was involved in campus issues and has a knowledge of the staff."

He said it is critical that Collins ensure daily production remains organized and to keep people motivated, as the Wildcat has 75 spring issues to publish. Collins said his interest in journalism started when he was a young boy, as his mother subscribed to four daily papers when he was growing up.

"There was a lot of quality news flying around the house," he said.

He never had his own paper route, but would sometimes fill in for a friend, although he said it wasn't the ideal situation.

"My dad was terrified I'd be captured by child molesters, so he'd drive behind me," Collins said.

While in high school at Choate Mary Hall in Connecticut, Collins was editor in chief of the school paper.

"It was no big deal, but I liked it," he said, "I guess that's the point."

Upon entering the University of Arizona, Collins said he knew he wanted to become a journalist. In 1995, he was news director at Kamp Student Radio before making his way to the Wildcat in the summer of 1996, where he covered Police Beat and occasional arts stories.

Collins said he wants to help maintain the Wildcat as the premier news source on campus, and expand its coverage into local community issues.

Collins said he believes the current Wildcat staff has the potential to offer the community an outstanding newspaper.

"This cast of characters can really put out an essential, valuable news product," Collins said. "I don't want people to pick up the Wildcat, glance at it and throw it away."