Guerzini named 2019-20 editor-in-chief of The Shield

The University of Southern Indiana's Student Publications Committee has selected Riley Guerzini as editor-in-chief of USI's student newspaper, The Shield, for the 2019-20 academic year. He will replace current editor, Megan Thorne, who will finish her term at the end of the spring 2019 semester.

Guerzini '20, from Newburgh, Indiana, is pursuing a major in journalism and a minor in political science. He is currently managing editor for The Shield, and has also worked as community engagement editor and news editor. Guerzini has also worked at 95.7 The Spin, USI's student radio station, as a news reporter and managing the station's social media accounts.

"We are responsible for providing students, faculty, staff and administrators with an unbiased view of our university and put a spotlight on issues that affect them." said Guerzini. He added that he hopes to "utilize the skills I have learned in classes and at The Shield to train, manage and push our staff to become a successful and professional organization."

As editor, he will be responsible for the overall operations of the paper, from planning to distribution. He will determine the content and general layout of the newspaper, oversee the organization of the staff, and work with the sales and marketing director to determine editorial content and ad distribution.

Guerzini hopes to revitalize The Shield's Sales and Marketing Department by focusing on member recruitment and communication between the staff. Additionally, he hopes to maintain a "calm and collected" management style.

"Working in a fast-paced field like journalism is incredibly stressful, especially when working on a tight deadline," he said. "I think having a leader who is calm and can make thoughtful decisions that help the publication will be beneficial to everyone."

In a written recommendation, James Hunter, instructor in English, said Guerzini had "proved himself to be a helpful, willing colleague," and adds that he "has been an integral part of The Shield's mission, successfully guiding the paper in several capacities, and his plan for the editor-in-chief position is a solid foundation to begin his leadership of the paper."

Applications for positions are available online or in The Shield office. To get involved, call 812-465-1682, or visit the office in the lower level of University Center East, Room 227.