The Leader staff elects Ryan Windle as Editor-in-Chief for the 2022-2023 school year

Photo by – Numair Younus

In a three-person election, Ryan Windle was elected by The Leader staff to serve as Editor-in-Chief for the 2022-2023 school year at the final staff meeting on May 3.

Windle currently sits as The Leader’s arts and culture editor, a position he has occupied since October 2021, after joining the staff that September. Windle quickly showed his talent for reviews, wittiness, and thorough reporting. 

As part of his tenure, Windle proposed increasing the newspaper’s digital presence, noting how COVID-19 moved news organizations online.

“I am expecting and hoping to have [a] big social media presence and I’m going to try and make us more well-known around the campus community, not just solely relying on the print newspaper,” said Windle. “Having a strong online presence is something I’m going to try my best to work toward.”

Gianna Montesano, current Editor-in-Chief and graduating senior, knew from the first few weeks of working with Windle that he’d one day be taking over The Leader. 

“I remember editing Ryan’s Cinderella review for the issue at the time and was enamored by his ability to write in a way where it feels he’s talking to the reader directly,” said Montesano. “I knew instantly he would be a great asset for our editorial board.”

Being elected as Editor-in-Chief has been a long time coming for Windle, who has constantly exhibited dedication to The Leader. 

“It feels very rewarding. This entire semester I’ve just built up kind of momentum for this moment and to finally be elected I feel so honored and grateful for this opportunity I now have,” said Windle. 

Windle has been an integral part of The Leader in the short year he’s been with the paper and his work has not gone unnoticed. 

“It has been great watching him take on more and more responsibilities with the publication, all while continuing his prolific output,” said The Leader adviser Eric Lutz. “His passion for The Leader is obvious, as is his determination to help it evolve and find new ways to tell stories.”

Writing is important to Windle. Storytelling has always been something he is passionate about, previously being a part of theater programs in his past and writing short stories in his spare time.

“There always has been something fascinating to me about being able to express emotions through words,” said Windle. “I always have enjoyed creative writing, and learning how to refine that passion for journalism has made me determined to always tell a story that will captivate readers.” 

Windle transferred into Elmhurst University in August 2021, after graduating from Morraine Valley Community College with an associate’s degree and switching his major from theater education to multimedia journalism upon entering EU.

The orientation issue will be Windle’s first official issue with his new title, so returning Bluejays can keep their eyes peeled for his orientation issue to hit stands in August. 

“I am hoping to start recruitment this summer,” said Windle. “While this is a break, I view the summer as a critical time where we can build-up the newspaper and develop it in new ways. I am encouraging anyone to join, no matter what you want to bring to the table.”

Windle ran against juniors Yusra Omer and Numair Younus.