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Sarah does news, opinion justice
By Diana Montague, Ph.D., professor of communication
@Diana Montague8
Montague@findlay.edu
The field of journalism has been in tumultuous transition since the introduction of the Internet, but rumors of this profession’s demise have been premature. Journalism is not dead; it is reinventing itself, revitalizing its role in informing society, rising from the ashes like a phoenix, and Sarah Stubbs will help lead the way. Sarah has the Right Stuff to be professional flag bearer for the reenergized Fourth Estate.
Sarah has been a driving force at the Pulse for several years, taking on editorial leadership in her sophomore year. She has strengthened the newspaper’s digital transition and expanded the campus discussion of local issues to the national political front. She’s covered contentious news topics and written controversial opinion columns during her editorial reign, strengthening her journalism skills as well as toughening her “journalistic thick skin.” (That’s a requirement to survive in this industry.)
Unlike much of the general populace, Sarah recognizes the difference between news and opinion, and she understands the role of both in an information-saturated society. “Opinion-driven content still has value, but it should not be mistaken as news,” Sarah wrote in an opinion column on Tomi Lahren. So, so true.
Indeed, while anyone with a keyboard and a Wifi connection can spew fake news into cyberspace, the need for verified, legitimate news grows exponentially. Sarah will provide this “real news”—and do it well—when she enters a career in professional communication.
Thanks for all you’ve done for the UF community, Sarah. Keep your passion for truth as you prepare to take on journalism in the “real world.”
Energy and passion define former Pulse student editor
By Amy Rogan, assistant professor of communication
@RoganAmy
Rogan@Findlay.edu
When I first met Sarah Stubbs, it was my first meeting with the staff of the Pulse as their adviser in August 2014.
Two things I noticed at that meeting right away; Sarah’s energy and inquisitive nature and the staff’s collective eye roll when I mentioned political coverage.
Later that semester Sarah started training with then-editor Abbey Nickel. The two were close friends so I believe it made the training easier for them. Sarah continued to take initiative and take on more and more of the editor role.
By the time August 2015 rolled around she was well into her position and rolling. She was also showing more and more interest in political coverage which became a passion as we approached the 2016 presidential election.
Sarah is not only full of energy and questions, she pays close attention to detail-which is a crucial characteristic for a news editor. She expects the best from herself and from everyone else. For those who don’t know, that attitude of expectation is also a common trait among news editors.
Sarah’s work over the last two years has been impressive and something we’re all proud of. As evidenced by the Pulse’s many awards from the Ohio Newspaper Association, the Pulse has always set a high standard among small college newspapers. But there’s always room to grow. She helped take the Pulse to the next level and worked with UFTV to more closely align campus news coverage under the Findlay Media Network umbrella.
Sarah’s work on the paper is not the only thing that has made me proud. In February 2016 Sarah went to the Dominican Republic to serve at a boy’s orphanage.
In April 2016 Sarah traveled to the University of North Carolina Asheville to present an abstract submission, “‘It’s Been a Long Time Coming’: An Expose of Sustainability at The University of Findlay,” which was selected for presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. It was chosen from more than 4,000 submissions.
In July, Sarah traveled a little closer to home to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland where she worked with UFTV to produce content.
As the 2016 fall semester got underway and the presidential election heated up, Sarah was instrumental in the Rock the Mock event presented by the Findlay Media Network, designing the logo and taking a leadership role along with PRSSA President Jacob King and UFTV President Stephen Mathie. The trio pulled off a wonderful event for students at UF.
Sarah embodies quality, strong work ethic, and a pioneering spirit. And as a bonus, a thousand watt smile to go with a caring heart. Good luck Sarah. You will be missed.
