Written By: Kamara White
Saint Martin’s University’s student newspaper, The Belltower, is undergoing a major reboot this spring following the retirement of its previous advisor and former SMU Professor, Doug Barker, and the departure of nearly all its staff members. With new leadership and a fresh team assembled, the publication is geared up for a revitalized spring semester.
Kamara White (Sophomore), the new Editor-in-Chief, leads the rebuilding efforts, working alongside the newspaper’s newly appointed advisor, Professor Ernesto Chavez. Following a year where most of the team graduated or did not return, The Belltower is starting from the ground up, aiming to establish a stronger presence both on campus and online.
The spring 2025 semester marks a period of rebuilding for The Belltower, with immediate goals focused on refreshing the website with current content and strengthening the paper’s online social media presence. The team plans to cover a broad range of topics, including campus news, student events, feature stories, sports updates, and more relatable content for the SMU community. A key initiative this semester will be producing regular, timely content that not only keeps the students informed but also engages them with interactive posts on social media platforms like Instagram.
The staff for the spring semester includes:
- Kamara White: Editor-in-Chief
- Anabelle Goodman: Photographer and Staff Writer
- Sahar Yousofi: Staff Writer, Web Management Assistant, Content Manager, & Photographer
- Lylah Tran: Staff Writer & Cartoonist
- Judea Murphy: Photographer
- Cassandra England: Photographer
- Ruby Bryntesen: Social Media Manager
- Crysania Saballa: Social Media Manager
- Taylor Ames: Website Manager & Content Designer
- Professor Ernesto Chavez: Advisor
As The Belltower, continues to rebuild, the editorial team is also offering internship opportunities to students looking to gain hands-on experience in journalism, writing, photography, social media management, and website design. These internships provide valuable skills that will help students build their portfolios and prepare for future careers in media.
With the team now in place, The Belltower is focusing on a digital-first approach in the spring, but with an eye on reintroducing print editions in the near future. The Belltower transitioned to fully digital during the pandemic in 2020 but plans for the spring include brainstorming the logistics for print, including budget approvals and securing necessary resources to capitalize the following school year.
As The Belltower continues to rebuild this semester, the editorial team is setting the stage for a major resurgence in the 2025-26 school year. Goals include expanding office space, collaborating with other student organizations, and increasing the publication’s exposure across campus. With a fresh approach and renewed energy, The Belltower is committed to being an essential part of the SMU student experience that the community looks forward to reading, once again. In addition, The Belltower is also seeking to strengthen its collaboration with campus clubs, organizations, and athletics, amplifying the voices of students and increasing its presence across SMU.
Interested in interning or applying for The Belltower? Email us today! Want to read our latest content? Explore our site! Check us out on Instagram and follow our page @smubelltower!
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