The editorial staff of The Chronicle has elected sophomore Karen Hauptman to serve as the newspaper's editor for its 100th year of publication.
At a meeting Friday afternoon, Hauptman, now one of the newspaper's associate University editors and a wire editor, was named editor of The Chronicle and president of Duke Student Publishing Company, Inc., the independent corporation responsible for publishing the campus' student-run daily newspaper.
Hauptman will succeed senior Alex Garinger for a one-year term beginning May 9.
As editor, Hauptman will determine the newspaper's content and lead a staff of more than 100 student volunteer reporters, editors, photographers and layout designers.
Her responsibilities as DSPC president will include preserving the corporation's dual mission of providing journalism opportunities for Duke students and delivering information to the community.
In her speech, Hauptman offered the staff an agenda that included improving recruitment and training of reporters, streamlining the efficiency of the newspaper's production process and preparing for The Chronicle's 100th anniversary.
"Our 100th anniversary is a unique opportunity for The Chronicle to look back on our history and reestablish our relationship with our readers," she said. "As we refine our standards of reporting, writing and production, we need to be constantly aware of our position as the primary forum for discussion and debate about news in the Duke community."
Hauptman said aggressive staff development would be crucial for the future of the newspaper. She said initial recruitment is only the first step in what should be a continual learning process for staff members. Training will continue, she said, through the editing process and with the help of internal and external leadership.
During her term as an associate University editor, Hauptman worked alongside four other associate editors and two University editors to cover all aspects of campus affairs, focusing particularly on facilities and employees. Staff members report that Hauptman has been a dedicated reporter with boundless enthusiasm and many fresh ideas.
As wire editor, she trained and managed a staff of between six and 10 associate wire editors and was responsible for the content and selection of wire articles. Wire articles are written by non-Chronicle staffers and usually report national and world news.
Hauptman began her career at The Chronicle as a reporter for the University and city and state departments during the first semester of her freshman year. She also served as an associate wire editor during the second semester of her freshman year.
One month after his February 2002 election, Garinger appointed Hauptman associate University editor and wire editor.
Hailing from Bethesda, Md., Hauptman intends to major in political science. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career in journalism or law.
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