The Criterion has a new Editor in Chief (EIC) for the academic year of 2018-2019. Chris DeLeon will serve as the EIC for The Criterion at Colorado Mesa University.

DeLeon is very excited to begin in his new position. His position currently at The Criterion is the news editor.

“I am excited about the opportunity to take on a role and challenge that I never would have imagined I’d face when I began attending CMU. I am a big believer in facing new challenges. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. Change is necessary for growth, so challenge is always exciting,” DeLeon said.

DeLeon doesn’t plan to make any changes to The Criterion. He plans on keeping the paper as relevant as it has become.

“When I first came to CMU, nobody really read The Crite. Now, we are talked about in classrooms and read fervently online,” DeLeon said. “That means continuing to ask the hard questions and digging into stories that may make some people either angry or squeamish. But I also want to make sure we stay balanced: positive with negative, conservative with liberal, etc.”  

The first order of business that DeLeon will be doing as EIC will be the hiring process for all the editor positions.

“I am aware of my own limitations, so I want to surround myself with a solid supporting cast that will ensure the success of the paper,” DeLeon said.

DeLeon will help CMU by continuing to bring proper attention to the aspects of CMU that deserves recognition. But, DeLeon will also bring attention to the weakness or issues where students can have the experiences enhanced.

DeLeon will expect writers to come to all The Criterion meetings with their own ideas for articles.

“I’m sure my editorial staff will be great, but they won’t be the only ones with good ideas. I want everybody who walks through our door to take pride of ownership in The Criterion and take initiative to maintain our powerful reputation,” DeLeon said.

DeLeon will also expect writers to learn and apply AP style rules to their articles so that the editors aren’t frustrated every week.

“Mostly I will expect the editors to have a passion for their work. Passion and pride in our product will move them to do everything they need to do to ensure a successful paper every week,” DeLeon said.

DeLeon is humbled and grateful for this opportunity.

“I love this school, I love this paper and I love being able to serve as a voice to and for my fellow Mavs. It is an immense honor to have been chosen to lead this great organization. I follow in the giant footsteps of exceptional leaders who came before me. The task I face is to leave large prints of my own as I lead the march forward,” DeLeon said.