Helmke at the helm

The Board of Publications unanimously chose Kathryn Helmke as the spring 2003 editor in chief of the Indiana Daily Student Tuesday afternoon. Helmke will take over the IDS helm at the beginning of the spring semester.\n"This is a position I never expected to be in," Helmke said following the board's selection.\nCurrently managing editor of the IDS, Helmke's past positions have included campus and region editor, as well as copy editor for IDS Weekend. \n"In the course of the last few semesters, I really became involved in the IDS," Helmke said. "This is just sort of a natural step for me."\nTo be considered for the top position, Helmke had to fill out a six question application and had to stand in front of the publications board of nine members to answer any questions they had on how she would run the newspaper during her tenure. \nAfter some deliberation by the board, Helmke was unanimously chosen. Helmke said it was a little intimidating speaking in front of the board, but she managed to get through it.\n"My experience here has shown me that I really know the IDS," Helmke said.\nAs editor in chief, Helmke plans to reorganize the newspaper's copy desk, help make the new media desk more a part of the production process, and will continue to stress diversity in news coverage.\nCurrent Editor in Chief Aaron Sharockman said Helmke has shown all the qualities needed in her new position.\n"She's had to handle many large scale projects that she will definitely cross again as editor," Sharockman said. "I think Kathryn is an excellent choice to lead the Indiana Daily Student in the spring."\nNancy Comiskey, the interim publisher of the IDS and also a member of the pub board, said Helmke's experience thus far will help her lead the paper next semester.\n"I think when you're a managing editor of a paper, you have to understand the different working parts of the paper," Comiskey said. "The more experience you have in those departments, the more effective leader you're going to be."\nComiskey said the search for both IU's next president and athletic director will be two main issues for the paper next semester.\n"I'm really excited about working with Kathryn," Comiskey said. "I think Aaron Sharockman and his staff has had a wonderful semester, and I expect Kathryn to build on that success"