After three separate searches and a number of applicants, The Auburn Plainsman has a new general manager.
Jack Smith started work Monday, Nov. 2.
The former general manager of 13 years, Jan Waters, tendered her resignation in February.
"Jack's strong background in the newspaper industry, both editorial and business, and passion for the advancement of The Auburn Plainsman was the reason we chose him," said Lindsey Davidson, editor of The Auburn Plainsman. "Just within a week, we have seen a positive change within the staff from his presence. There has never been much guidance from a general manager standpoint, and I am thrilled to have that support and leadership from him."
Smith has a B.A. in history from Birmingham Southern College and master's degree in journalism from the University of Alabama.
Smith managed the award-winning Eufaula Tribune for 11 years and has worked in the University athletics department in a consulting capacity.
Smith has also conducted news and editorial workshops newspapers that are members of the Alabama Press Association.
"The search committee selected Jack because of the depth and breadth of his newspaper knowledge in terms of newspaper management, advertising, sales, circulation and editorial expertise," said Jennifer Adams, The Auburn Plainsman's faculty adviser. "Jack is a top-rate newspaperman with a stellar reputation within the Alabama newspaper community."
Tom Hopf, business manager for The Auburn Plainsman, said he thinks Smith brings a level of experience that was not available from the former general manager.
"He's also really, really energetic," Hopf said. "He's out there going out into the field with people."
Hopf added he think Smith will be able to bring a new perspective and help the newspaper adapt to the economic conditions and changing industry.
"I thought it would be an opportunity to make a difference on campus, to mentor students and hopefully make a difference in the industry that I love," Smith said.
Smith said he hopes he will be able to serve as a resource for students on both the editorial and business sides of The Auburn Plainsman.
"I think the primary goal is to ensure the financial success of The Plainsman over the long term," Smith said. "The Plainsman has a rich tradition as an excellent college newspaper. The Plainsman has an independent editorial voice, and the surest way to ensure that The Plainsman always has a voice on campus is to keep it strong financially."
Smith said his family history in the newspaper industry is part of the reason he applied for the position after passing up the first two searches.
"My father passed away this summer and he was my business partner and the single greatest influence on my life and he was a giant in the community newspaper industry," Smith said. "And (his death) caused me to re-evaluate what it is I'm doing, and what legacy I hope to leave behind."
However, his role as general manager is not the first experience Smith will have had with The Auburn Plainsman.
Smith recalled a customer he delivered newspapers to when he was growing up who subscribed to The Auburn Plainsman in addition to the newspaper Smith delivered.
Smith said the customer was a lawyer and Auburn graduate who would let Smith have The Auburn Plainsman when he was done reading it.
"Jack and I have talked many times about the direction of the newspaper," Adams said. "We are in agreement that the paper needs to be financially stable so that the editorial and business departments can thrive. Our main priority is to make sure the students have the tools they need to make he Auburn Plainsman a first-rate publication."
Smith seems ready to step forward and take on this task in order to bring The Auburn Plainsman back to the level of excellence it has been known for.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the students at the Plainsman and look forward to a bright future for the student newspaper," Smith said.
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