LU's University Press introduces new leadership

Trevier Gonzales (left), of Orange is one of three LU students chosen as part of the editorial team for The University Press, Lamar University's newspaper. Haley Bruyn and Tim Collins will also serve as part of the editorial team.

The University Press (UP), Lamar’s student newspaper, has named three students as the editorial team for 2016-2017. Beaumont native Haley Bruyn will serve as editor, Tim Collins of Silsbee as managing editor and Trevier Gonzalez of Orange will be the paper’s first multimedia editor. Together the three will lead the University Press in its weekly publications during long semesters.

Bruyn says she is honored by the chance to work as an editor. She explains her position to others as “Editor in Chief”— the editors work as a team, but it is her responsibility to bring everything together for publication.

“I think success through teamwork is best, but I’ve also been known to take the reins to get a project done,” she said.

She enjoys writing columns and travel pieces for the paper and feels drawn towards topics like students’ emotional health or the local art and music scene. Bruyn has a year of experience working with the University Press as well as a bachelor’s in English from LU. She is currently studying for a master’s in English with a focus on writing.

Collins, a communication major and political science minor, says that his role as managing editor means managing the staff, enforcing deadlines and “a little bit of everything.” He earned the position through his consistent dedication to the University Press, and he sees his organization skills as an important asset for the new job.

Collins especially values the experience as managing editor for his personal focus on journalism. He says the UP will remain an effective tool to teach students how to write and edit for a newspaper.

“It’s great to sit there with Andy Coughlan (the director) or one of the editors and have them show you what works and what doesn’t. I can definitely see improvement in myself, and its really rewarding to see your writing in print,” said Collins.

As multimedia editor, Gonzalez will ensure that University Press keeps pace with modern times. He will write pieces and manage media, incorporating skills he picked up while working for LUTV.

“If our writers are covering a story, we don’t just want the writing. Shoot video. Tweet what’s happening. Some people aren’t excited by newsprint. That’s why it’s important to have really good photos or video,” he said.

Gonzalez completed his associate’s degree in communication from Lamar State College-Orange then transferred to LU to earn a bachelor’s degree in communication and broadcast. He says that though he has held leadership positions before, this one is unique to him because it involves teaching others. He is excited to work with the new editors— a “dream team”— and looks forward to picking up new skills on the job.

The University Press is part of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and is directed by Andy Coughlan. It is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and regularly enters contests in the Press Club of Southeast Texas, Houston Press Club, Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists where it has won numerous awards and maintains a reputation of excellence.