After a period of uncertainty and low morale last semester that witnessed The Independent Florida Alligator without an applicant for the editor-in-chief position for perhaps the first time in 40 years, the paper is back on its feet.
At a meeting in December, the paper's board of directors chose a new editor, Nicole Safker, a UF journalism senior.
Safker, who was the only applicant for the top spot, is the first person to become editor from the paper's photo department since 1987, according to Alligator records provided by General Manager Tricia Carey.
In addition to finding an editor, the paper will also be implementing changes to address some of the problems voiced by staffers in meetings late last year.
The paper recently got new equipment, including flat-screen computer monitors and a new computer for the photo department, according to Safker.
The Alligator will increase communication with its board of directors and has seen an outpouring of support from faculty in UF's College of Journalism and Alligator alumni, Safker said.
The paper will also try to increase its focus on multimedia journalism this semester to better prepare its staff for future jobs, Safker said.
"I couldn't be more excited," she said. "It's not as dark and dreary as it was a few months ago."
