Brittany Carr
Editor-in-chiefI never know how to start these things, but I guess I’ll go with: Hi, I’m Brittany, and I’ll be the editor of The Voyager this year.
I’m a senior print journalism major, and all I know about what I want to do in the future is that it involves writing.
For the next year, though, all of my focus will be on making the paper your No. 1 source for news that is relevant to life at the University of West Florida.
The atmosphere on campus is changing rapidly, and I hope you begin to notice that the paper is evolving with it.
We’ve made some exciting changes already by redesigning the website, and the best is yet to come.
But the main thing I want to get across is this: It is my hope this year that you will look at The Voyager as a conversation, but not one that is one-sided.
We are always looking for you feedback, whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member. We can’t do our jobs without your input, so feel free to use the pages of this paper to let your voice be heard. That’s what we’re here for, after all.
Valerie Thornwell
News EditorHey there!
I’m Valerie, your news editor at The Voyager this year.
With UWF welcoming its largest freshman class in history, there are sure to be plenty of changes in store, and I hope to keep you well informed about all of them.
I am a senior this year, majoring in print journalism with a minor in Forensic Studies.
I am currently planning a back packing trip around Europe after graduation.
I love athletics and am the president of the Aquatic Racing Club as well as a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team on campus.
I also work at Panera Bread and at the Pensacola News Journal as a freelance reporter.
I am very excited to be a part of such an awesome team this year and I hope you have as much fun reading The Voyager as we will putting it together.
W. Paul Smith
Opinions EditorSo, I’m W. Paul Smith, the opinions editor for The Voyager. I’m often not very comfortable writing about myself in this sort of context, and when given the opportunity, it takes every ounce of strength to take it seriously and not turn it into some sort of self-mocking satire.
Though it is my job to dish out opinions on various issues, whether societal or political, I’m an agnostic generally speaking and don’t see myself as one who holds very strong opinions on “matters of consequence,” to quote Saint-Exupéry. And as a result, I sometimes feel a bit like a charlatan peddling snake oil from the back of my wagon for two bits a jar.
But, having said that, I do have a strong desire to communicate ideas that challenge people to think in new ways. My work is ultimately aimed at finding ways to encourage more rational, nuanced discussions, bridging common ground and inspiring people to work toward more balanced and amicable interactions with each other.
I encourage anyone who wants to write opinion pieces for The Voyager to please contact me. We would love to have as much student input as possible. And please send us “letters to the editor” anytime you wish to share your thoughts on issues around campus you would like to discuss or think we should be covering.
Rebecca Barnhart
Life & Entertainment/Managing EditorI really hate writing biographies. My personality just can’t be summed up in a paragraph. But I will surely try.
I’m Rebecca Barnhart and I’m the life & entertainment/managing editor.
After two years of contributing stories to and copy editing for The Voyager, I decided I wanted a more proactive role.
This year, my goal is to give new life to the L&E section and make it a relevant, fun read not just for me, but for you guys as well.
When I’m not hunched over a desk writing up a storm, I like to go to the beach, see live music, dance (badly), hang out with friends and enjoy college as best as I can.
If there is something you feel should be covered in the section, let me know. I look forward to your ideas!
Chris Elkins
Sports EditorI’m Chris Elkins, the sports Editor of The Voyager. Ever since I was five years old I’ve been playing sports. It started out with soccer, led to t-ball, and later to running cross country and track and field.
I later found a love for writing, but I found most general news boring. Thus, I became a sports writer.
I’m lucky in the sense that I’ve found a job that I love to do.
This year, I hope to provide readers with a balanced view of University of West Florida sports as well as stories involving health and fitness.
While doing that, I hope to give readers and inside scoop on UWF sports with features about players, teams, and news about the national scene.
With the continued success of Argonaut sports, a new student enhancement plan and the possible addition of new athletic teams, UWF sports looks to be more exciting than ever.
Jon Short
Web EditorHello, readers! My name is Jon Short and I’m your new web editor for The Voyager.
Last school year I was greatly involved with our university paper, volunteering as a contributing writer for financial stories and on-campus events.
This year I’ve swapped my pencil and notepad for a computer monitor and a keyboard in order to give you readers a brand new website.
I may not be fluent in the language of computers, but I’m always up for a challenge and eager to learn something new.
This semester, I hope to make The Voyager more accessible online.
With a revamped website and new online features, I aspire to further enhance stories that are published in the paper. Expect more online content and experience The Voyager online!
