The University radio station has a new leader-Rachel Beatty.
After several hours of debate on Saturday, the six-person directorial staff of KSLU chose next year’s general manager.
“It was a good year for KSLU, in that we didn’t feel that either candidate would be a bad choice,” said Ron Parres, current KSLU general manager.
Both Rachel Beatty, a sophomore Communication major, and Chris Schaeffer, a junior majoring in English, ran for the position.
He noted that the directors and he were looking for the candidate with the best plans for the transition of KSLU from the Busch Memorial Center to a temporary location in Notre Dame Hall.
“We need to keep us in the front of people’s minds,” said Parres. “Rachel’s approach will be more personal and hands-on.”
Beatty explained her two focuses as giving KSLU more of a personalized front by incorporating D.J. talents into the station more and making KSLU a facility that the University does not want to be without. She suggested that academic departments could hopefully use KSLU in their curriculum. For example, the Communication Department could possibly incorporate KSLU into the public speaking or advertising classes.
She summarized her plans for next year: “Expect to be seeing a lot more of us.”
Parres spoke highly of the ability to potentially have a general manager for two consecutive terms. “It’s the first time in a long time that we’ve had a qualified sophomore running,” he said.
Schaeffer ran because he felt qualified to “take KSLU through its difficult year next year during the move while maintaining its high quality.”
He also wanted to make sure KSLU does not disappear from the public eye.
Schaeffer will continue to be active in KSLU and said, “I don’t think any of these ideas need to be sacrificed because I’m not in the position.”
Parres said that Schaeffer has been a valuable person to KSLU. “His service to KSLU this past year has been phenomenal. He’s a dedicated worker, very reliable.”
“Rachel’s determination and love for the station will only yield good things,” added Schaeffer.
Giving advice to his successor Beatty, Parres said, “Don’t let yourself get hung up in one opportunity that you let other opportunities pass you by.”
