??? Meet Ana Despa: The New Editor-in-Chief of The Chronicle Vol. 121 ??

Hello LinkedIn Blue Devils,

We are excited to announce that sophomore Ana Despa has been elected as the new editor-in-chief of The Chronicle for its 121st volume, marking a new chapter in the storied history of Duke University’s student-run newspaper.

Introducing Ana Despa: A New Leader at the Helm

Ana, a dedicated associate news editor and a biomedical engineering major from Lexington, Kentucky, will commence her one-year tenure starting April 23. She holds the distinction of being the first engineering student to lead The Chronicle since its 117th volume.

Vision and Goals for The Chronicle:

• Expanding Coverage: Ana plans to broaden The Chronicle’s scope by introducing year-long series that dive deep into issues pivotal to the Duke and Durham communities.
• Spotlighting Community Members: Under her leadership, the newspaper will focus on featuring impactful individuals from both Duke and the surrounding area, including beloved faculty members.
• Enhancing Data Journalism: With a keen interest in data, Ana aims to elevate the newspaper’s analytical capabilities to provide more in-depth reporting.

Leadership Philosophy: Ana believes in the power of listening and collaboration to drive the newspaper forward. She is committed to engaging with the diverse perspectives of The Chronicle’s staff across all departments to enrich the publication’s content and outreach.

Endorsements from Peers:

• Abby Spiller, the outgoing editor-in-chief, praised Ana’s work ethic and innovative approach, especially her ability to integrate her engineering background into journalism.
• Zoe Kolenovsky, News Editor, and Lucas Lin, University News Editor, both commend Ana for her insightful reporting and visionary leadership, highlighting her dual focus on data-driven and human-interest stories.

A Forward-Looking Agenda: Ana is set to tackle the challenges of today’s dynamic media environment, including navigating the implications of national policies on higher education. Her reporting has already touched on significant topics such as university investments and academic freedom, showcasing her readiness to address complex issues.

We are thrilled to see how Ana’s leadership will inspire new heights of journalistic integrity and innovation at The Chronicle. Join us in congratulating Ana Despa on her new role and wishing her success!