Students take on new roles
As the new school year begins there are many new beginnings on campus. For students, faculty and staff these changes come each year, especially at Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s student media.
As students graduate and shift through the program, positions change as new and returning students step into positions throughout the program.
These changes can be seen throughout The South Texan and the KTAI-FM student staff.
KTAI-FM is under a new radio station manager, the former Opinion and Managing Editor of The South Texan Makaylah Chavez moved into her new position over the summer.
“I got involved a bit with radio towards the end of spring semester and really started to take a liking to it. Before I knew it, recording and editing my own shows were the highlight of my week. I knew we needed staff here at the radio station and I felt comfortable enough with what I was taught to step up so that way we may continue to teach brilliant and talented students the same skills and more,” she said
Chavez looks forward to the change in dynamic and environment with her position in student media.
“I love The South Texan and love to write, but I graduate in a couple months and want to try a little bit of everything in this field before I take my next steps, wherever that may be,” she said.
Chavez is excited to bring a new balance of music to the radio station. Haseeb Javaid is serving as the assistant manager of KTAI-FM. Emeri Drewry and Nadya Garcia return this semester with the Javelina News Journal, a weekly news program that airs at noon every Thursday.
Other new additions to The South Texan include Entertainment Editor Frank Villarreal, Senior Reporters Zena Desouza and Chris Olivarez. Other staff include reporters Melissa Mata and Abigayle Hayden, photographers Isabella Carrion, Jessica Tijerina and Mireya Martinez, social media manager Mackenzie Bryce and circulation manager Brianna Brietzke. Aryssa Enriquez remains Marketing Manager.
Villarreal enjoys to write and started writing reviews for The South Texan in the spring of 2021.
“It’s honestly exciting despite my nervousness. I always thought the idea of being an editor was cool but I never would’ve guessed that I’d get the chance to be one,” he said.
He also looks forward to seeing the different articles students will submit as well as the variety of writing styles it will bring.
Students are overseen by Assistant Professor of Practice, Chief Radio Operator and Student Media Adviser for The South Texan, KTAI and Javelina Broadcast Network Nicole Perez Morris who works closely with students throughout the year.
“The start of each semester brings changes to student media. New staff arrive to replace graduates and others receive promotions, so it is a bittersweet time filled with excitement and new goals while we say goodbye and wish all recent graduates well. Our student journalists are so talented and multi-faceted. It will be an exciting semester and academic year as we see our newest editors and managers thrive in their new positions, learning from our senior members,” she said.
Returning staff to The South Texan include Editor-in-Chief Ronni Reyna, Sports Editor Dylan Sanchez, Digital Editor Erik Estrada and Campus Editor Sarah Reyna.
Also returning is Rae Martinez, but this time she steps into a new position as Managing Editor. Martinez served as the Entertainment Editor the previous year.
“I was thrilled when I found out. I loved my old position as Entertainment Editor, but I also felt like trying something new. This position allows me to do more and I am excited to see where it takes me,” she said.
Martinez looks forward to assisting her coworkers and bringing in new students to the student media on campus.
“I would not have been where I am at right now without the help of our adviser, Nicole Morris. Working with her has helped me gain experience in the journalism field and I am now an award-winning journalist because of that,” Martinez said.
Martinez has been writing for The South Texan since the Spring of 2021.
“Being in a room with individuals who are just as passionate about journalism as I am gives me the inspiration and drive I need to help produce successful issues. This semester will be a remarkable one,” she said.
Students interested in being a part of student media on campus can stop by Manning Hall, Room 165, attend The South Texan meeting every Monday at noon, visit a Javelina Press Club meeting Wednesday at 4 p.m. or contact chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com.