Meet The Leader’s new editor-in-chief, Josie Zabran

Josie Zabran, sports editor of The Leader, has been tapped as the paper’s new editor-in-chief for the spring 2019 semester after longtime editor-in-chief Syeda Sameeha announced her early graduation at the end of the semester.

A junior English major who transferred from Beloit College this semester, Zabran quickly got involved with The Leader, writing columns and managing all coverage for the sports section.

“I was honestly surprised that I was even being considered for editor-in-chief,” she said. “I really wanted the position because it was something I was striving for for a long time at my old school, so it kind of felt like it came back full circle for me.”

Zabran will serve as a successor to Sameeha, who started at as a news reporter for The Leader in 2017 before being elected twice as editor-in-chief in spring 2018 and 2019. /

With her term ending, Sameeha reflected on her time at The Leader while congratulating Josie.

“It’s kind of crazy to think I’m leaving, especially since I’m graduating very early, and my tenure at The Leader has been unique, to say the least,” remarked Sameeha. “But, I know Josie is more than capable of taking this role and handling whatever comes her way.”

“She has proven herself countless times this semester that she is a strong leader and a smart journalist who will do incredible things for The Leader,” added Sameeha.

Zabran’s first order of business after being ratified by The Leader editorial board on Tuesday, November 12 was to appoint copy editor Marisa Karpes as managing editor to help facilitate the transition.

“I am most excited to work with my managing editor Marisa Karpes,” she added. “She has fabulous ideas and is a great copy editor, and I can’t wait to explore what we can do together.”

“I am also excited to bring a new perspective and—of course—bring a whole lot more memes to the campus.”