Meredith McCalmon, editor-in-chief
“I joined the collegian because I wrote for the newspaper in high school and wanted to do more consequential stories. So I joined freshman year because I saw their booth at Kedziepalooza and applied on a whim.”
Libby Zuck, managing editor
“I’m a transfer student, so I came to K-State my sophomore year, and I’ve always been involved in journalism. One of my best friends had me come to a Collegian meeting, and I started writing for news, and kind of pivoted from there and realized that news wasn’t for me. I started writing for Arts & Culture and have been ever since. I was the assistant editor and the A&C editor throughout my time here. I stick around because I love what I do and I love talking to people.”
Jenna Fiscus, news editor
“I started out with the Royal Purple, and my friend who graduated invited me to a Royal Purple meeting, and I was interested, so I went with her to a meeting and got super involved. I met people on the Collegian staff and wanted to get more involved with the paper side. I wasn’t planning on being on the Ed board, but they needed people, and now I love it. I love that we are all women and all three of our publications have women as lead roles.”
Grace Parks, multimedia editor
“I started my journalism journey in high school and didn’t get involved with another publication until the second semester of my sophomore year of college. After only a semester on staff, I was asked to be the multimedia editor and haven’t looked back since! I love coming to work and having fun with people I love working with!”
Mekaila Rickert, marketing / PR manager
“The Collegian was the first thing I did for myself after coming back to school in 2023. Since then, I hold it close to my heart and want to see it thrive. My role this year gives me the opportunity to assist in its success, opening the doors for other people to find the kind of comfort I did here.”
Lilly Crist, page design chief
“Freshman year, my friend said I would be good for the Collegian because I do design. I said okay, as I needed a job. Then I worked as a page designer for a year, and last year I became the page design chief and did graphics.
“I learned a lot from Cole Deutschendorf, the previous page design chief, during my freshman year. Page design for a newspaper is a unique experience because we’re putting out a paper every week, so I’m designing the majority of the paper on our Wednesday production nights with some help from other designers. I also make a lot of the posters that get printed with the paper, which are really fun because I have more creative freedom, and it’s really cool to see my work around campus and see people talking about how they enjoy the posters.”
Jolie Shultz, arts & culture editor
“I came because of the reputation. I would see the K-State Collegian at the Kansas Collegiate Media convention and would see the amazing work they put out. Knowing that Greta was coming over with me from HutchCC was also a huge reason, since we had worked together the last two years. I applied to the arts and culture editor position before transferring and got the position, and so far have loved everything I’ve done with the Collegian.”
Haley Smith, graphic design chief
“I had never worked on a newspaper staff before, and I really liked the idea of trying new things, and I also like being in a fast-paced environment. The Collegian has allowed me to grow creatively, as well as make amazing friends along the way. I am excited to see what this year brings for myself and the entire Collegian staff.”
Greta Klein, sports editor
“I have a love for sports journalism, and I can’t imagine my life without being involved in sports. In high school, I grew up playing sports and was a three-sport athlete. Going into college knowing I wouldn’t be able to play sports anymore felt like my time ended, but I still wanted to incorporate sports into my life. I feel like I can still bring my love and competitiveness into sports media allowed me to be here.”
Emma Lazarczyk, social media editor
“I joined The Collegian as a freshman after being a part of my high school’s newspaper. My brother was the sports editor for The Collegian when I joined, so I instantly had the support to grow in my journalism skills. Originally, I came into The Collegian with my mind set on sports journalism. However, an assistant marketing manager position opened up in the spring semester, and I decided to apply. Since then, I have been the marketing manager and now the social media manager. While I initially joined due to my brother being on the staff, I have stayed due to the supportive community.”
Kyra Case, copy chief
“I didn’t like the college I was at, and my sister went here. They didn’t have journalism, so everyone wanted me to transfer to K-State. The advisor of journalism talked to me a lot and made me feel welcome in this program. I saw the newsroom before I saw any of my classes. I talked to the editor-in-chief at the time, and he wanted me to join, so I did. I knew I wanted to write, but didn’t know what I wanted to do, so they walked me through it.
