The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
The people responsible…
Jenna Arnold
Editor-in-Chief
Classification: Junior
Major: English
Hi! My name is Jenna Arnold and I am the Editor-in-Chief for The Spectator! I am currently a junior and an English major. I am so excited about taking on this school year with our incredible staff. Everyone here has a spark, and we hope you catch the flame. We are the lab for the new generation of journalists, photographers, and graphic designers. While also being students, we take on the role of discovering and releasing the latest news on and around campus. While not writing, I am also a member of Phi Mu and work at a hardware store. Always reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Bailey Wilson
Managing Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: English
Hi everyone! My name is Bailey Wilson, I’m a senior this year majoring in English with a focus in journalism. I’m serving as the managing editor this year, and I’m excited to be back on staff for my last year of school!
Jasmine Hightower
Copy Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: Communication Minor: Journalism
Greetings everyone, I am your 2024-25 copy editor Jasmine Hightower. I am a senior communication major with a minor in journalism and I cannot wait to put my skills to the test in ensuring error free articles. Let’s have a great year!
Phylisicia Lundy
Berliner Editor
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Art Minor: Entrepreneurship
Hi Blazers Nation, Phylisicia Lundy here, as The Spectators’ new Berliner Editor. I am 22 years old and enjoy activities like photography, graphic design, and shopping. I will graduate this Fall (2024) with a Bachelor of Arts in Art major and Entrepreneurship minor. I have 3 large pit bulls and a younger brother. Welcome back Blazers!
Josi McGowan
Campus Life
Classification: Sophomore
Major: English
My name is Josi McGowan and I am a sophomore majoring in English here at VSU. I am the campus life editor for the Spectator. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and crocheting.
Chris Mercer
Sports Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: Mass Media
Kennedy Hill
Entertainment Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: Communication Minors: Advertising & Promotions and Mass Media
Hi everyone! I am Kennedy Hill, and I have the pleasure to serve as the Entertainment Editor for the Fall 2024 semester. I am a Senior obtaining my degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations, and double minoring in Advertising & Promotions and Mass Media. During my free time I enjoy trying new things, traveling, shopping, watching movies, and anything in the arts that expresses self-creativity.
Mallory Jablonski
Content Creation Editor
Classification: Junior
Major: Art and Design Minor: Creative Writing
Hi Everyone I’m Mallory Jablonski, The Spectators Content Creation Editor! I’m a junior right now at VSU majoring in Art and Design with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Creative Writing. I’m so excited to see what this semester brings us to and to be back with the team again!
Wyndham Drayton
Podcast Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: Mass Media
I am Wyndham Drayton from Thomasville Georgia, and I am a senior looking to graduate in 2025. I will be the podcast editor for The Spectator this year, in collaboration with Torch Radio, where we will be producing a podcast on all things Blazers.
Katie Holton
Graphic Design Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: Fine Arts Minor: Advertising & Promotions
Hello, my name is Katie Holton, and I am the Graphic Design editor for The Spectator. A few things about me are that I love all forms of art, especially graphics and painting. I also really enjoy reading in my spare time, and a few of my favorite genres are fantasy, romance, and a little bit of horror.
Ibec Francis
Photo Editor
Classification: Junior/Senior
Major: Fine Arts
Hey everyone, my name is Ibec. I am the Photo Editor for the VSU Spectator and my position consists of creating photos for all social media platforms, shooting special photo features, and other photo related content. I’m a Fine Arts Major at VSU and some of my hobbies are photography, filmmaking, writing, drawing, and designing.
Cherie Simmons
Web Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: Psychology
Hey, hey everyone! I’m your web editor Cherie Simmons. If I’m not on campus, I’m more than likely either napping or figuring out what movie I want to watch next. I’m back for one last semester, as I’ll be graduating this December with my B.A. in Psychology. That being said, let’s have a great semester and welcome to VSU’s The Spectator!