Daily staffers won’t need to learn a new name to call out in moments of crisis. Following two interviews, the Iowa State Daily Publication Board chose assistant news editor Pat Shaver, junior in journalism and mass communication, as editor in chief for summer 2007 and the 2007-2008 academic year.

“Pat has an established track record as a competent reporter and editor,” said Barbara Mack, publication board member and associate professor of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. “He is going to continue increasing the level of professionalism we see at the Iowa State Daily and he is going to be a great editor.”

Daily managing editor of visuals and production Tara Flockhart, junior in journalism and mass communication, also applied and interviewed for the position.

However, during her interview she informed the board that, after exploring her intentions, she had decided to pursue the position of online editor.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities for more teamwork with the online department,” Flockhart said. “Through that teamwork, a lot more can be done.”

Shaver introduced himself to the board as a reliable candidate with plans to address what he sees as important personnel issues at the Daily.

“I don’t consider myself a natural-born leader,” Shaver said. “I have learned a lot at the Daily and sort of taught myself to lead. I think I have shown myself to be reliable. I am always here in the morning, ready to go.”

He called for the creation of a more professional work environment, including two daily planning meetings, and for more effort to retain experienced reporters who can mentor younger reporters with little or no academic or work experience in journalism.

Current editor in chief Pat Brown, senior in journalism and mass communication, asked Shaver how he planned to motivate employees to attend two daily meetings.

Shaver said the meetings would be a more professional atmosphere that would begin with how new employees are interviewed.

“When I am interviewing people, I would make it clear that this is a part of their job and they need to be there,” Shaver said.

Shaver was named as editor following a short closed session, and received no dissenting votes in his appointment. He expressed enthusiasm about the decision and the opportunity to implement new policies.

“I am very excited about it. I have a lot of ideas I need to kind of get finalized. I have a lot of staff that I need to begin hiring for the summer and fall,” Shaver said.