So much around you is new right now. New classes, new academic buildings, new faces and new people to meet. The Appalachian student-run newspaper is also somewhat new this year, with a fresh Editorial Board and me, your new editor-in-chief.

Whether you are brand new and have no idea who we are or an ardent reader of The Appalachian, our role is to serve as a place for public discourse that is important to you, and tell you the truth about what is going on around you accurately and fairly.

Our staff strives to be ethical and empathetic in reporting, always. From covering the impact of Hurricane Helene and changes in Mountaineer football coaching staff to marking Appalachian Dance Ensemble’s anniversary and writing federal-level political op-eds, our promise is to tell your story with your words and your experience — not bring ours into the mix.

In our commitment to you, we are shifting to online coverage this year for our special sections — Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and more — to prioritize long-term coverage over a one-month highlight.

Thank you, reader, for choosing to pick up our first edition of the academic year. Be on the lookout for more from us daily online, monthly on almost 65 stands and weekly in your inbox.

I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization as the editor-in-chief for the 2025-26 term, and I can’t wait to see where the year takes us.

Speaking of, if you would like to join us in our mission of telling stories about people and the things people care about, please reach out to us via outreach@theappalachianonline.com or stop by Plemmons Student Union Room 235. Anyone on staff would be more than happy to speak with you, and you have a place on our staff regardless of your major or prior experience. Whether you are interested in photography, writing, editing, finance, social media or anything else, come join us.

We would love to hear from you. If you would like to submit a story idea, you can do so through the tab on our website, write us a letter to the editor or send us an email at editor@theappalachianonline.com. 

In a time where the media is mistrusted and so much is uncertain, allow The Appalachian to be a source of information you can trust. Our door is always open.

Meg Frantz

2025-26 Editor-in-Chief