As with all good things, my stint as the big cheese of this newspaper must come to an end.
I can’t remember a year in my life more difficult — or more rewarding — than the time I spent as editor in chief.
In the two years before becoming editor, I served as features editor, campus editor, opinion editor and online editor.
But I was terrified coming into this job.
I’m a shy, quiet guy. I had never led a group of people in an endeavor as important as putting out a weekly newspaper.
I felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants, like I had no idea what I was doing. But I got through it, realizing something that those who have come before me know: Being editor in chief of The Renegade Rip is the toughest job I will ever love.
Before I conclude, I have some thanks:
– The staff: You guys performed far above and beyond the call of duty on so many occasions. I can’t thank you enough for the hours of work you put in to make this paper what it is. It was an honor and a privilege to work with all of you.
– The editors: You deserve sainthood for tolerating my excessively anal-retentive personality quirks. Believe me when I say I’m not without sympathy for you, because I know I can be a royal pain in the ass.
– Robin Johnson and Carol Barnett: If not for the efforts that you two put in, the journalism program would be nothing. You are the glue that holds The Rip together.
– Kathy Freeman: What can I say? You have been my teacher, my mentor and my friend. Your wise words of advice and motherly nagging not only pushed me to become a better editor, but a better journalist. I am eternally grateful.
This isn’t goodbye to The Rip, but it is goodbye to the “big chair.” I’ll be stepping into the role of copy editor to help ease the transition of my successor, Roger Hornback, into the sleepless nights and constant worrying that comes with being the boss.
To him, I offer this: Good luck, and may God have mercy on your everlasting soul.