The editorial board of The University News has elected Diana Umali to the position of editor in chief for the 2000-01 academic year. Umali will replace current editor in chief Patrick J. Powers.

“Diana is a top-notch professional who brings organization and experience as her top attributes,” Powers said. “I am more than confident in her ability to lead this newspaper in the year to come.”

The University News advisor Avis Meyer added, “Diana is a thoughtful, mature student. She has written, reported and edited with aplomb and accuracy since her first assignment for our paper. Pat leaves large shoes to fill, but Diana has a Cracker Jack staff with the potential and experience to keep the paper strong and vital.”

Umali said her plans for next year include: building a sales staff, generating funds for capital improvements and increasing staff retention.

“The purpose of The University News is to inform, educate and entertain the members of the SLU community,” Umali said. “As editor of The University News it is my goal to remain objective and continue the mark of excellence that this year’s staff has set.”

Umali is finishing her second year as a member of The University News staff. During her tenure she has served as staff writer, assistant news editor and currently serves the newspaper as news editor.

“I’m excited and looking forward to next year,” Umali said. “Even though we’re losing some key staff members in May, I’m confident that we’ll have a strong, experienced staff for next year.”

Currently, Umali is working on a dual-enrollment degree in business management and music.