Austin Caster, fall editor of The University Daily Kansan, brings a diverse set of interests and talents to the Kansan this semester.
"I've never been a person who could do just one thing," he said. "My future plans seem to change every year."
For example, before Caster changed his major to journalism his sophomore year, he majored in music education with plans to teach violin and voice.
"Music always has been and always will be a big part of my life," said Caster, a Shawnee senior.
Even in journalism, he's continued to sing in a choir each semester, including Collegium Musicum last spring.
Caster said his appreciation for music has influenced parts of his work as a journalist. Last fall as a reporter for the Kansan, he wrote on entertainment and trends.
Also for the Kansan, Caster worked last spring as a copy editor and page designer. Though he liked copy editing and designing best, reporting let him use his skills as a performer
Kansan Reporter Ashley Michaels, a senior from Wathena, watches Austin Caster edit her article. Caster, a senior from Shawnee, will be the fall editor of the Kansan.
"As a reporter, it's almost like being an actor," he said. "You're a different person with every story you write."
For the summer, Caster interned as a copy editor for The Kansas City Star. At both the Star and the Kansan, he said he has appreciated being a part of the collaboration in a newsroom, where everyone can make suggestions.
"Communication is certainly a key to putting out a quality publication," he said. "You have to be open to ideas."
Barbara Barnett, a journalism professor of Caster's, said she thinks the Kansan will benefit from Caster's commitment to that trait.
"I think as editor of the Kansan, Austin will be willing to take some chances - to look at different kinds of stories that might appeal to Kansan readers and to explore some new topics," she said. "He's very dedicated to journalism - he has the 'fire.'"
Caster worked under Barnett for the full 2004-05 school year as a teaching assistant for Journalism 101, Media and Society. She thinks Caster's leadership will benefit the Kansan in the coming semester.
"He's pretty astute, pretty perceptive, so I think he'll keep on top of what the staff is doing and what they need to do their jobs well," Barnett said. "Austin is committed to the good of the Kansan; he's not worried about himself."
Though his future plans have changed a lot during the past four years, Caster knows journalism, in all its diversity, is the right career for him.
"It fits my personality so well - I don't want to be pigeon-holed into one thing," he said.
Caster plans to open the Kansan newsroom this fall with a welcoming attitude.
"I try to always have a smile on my face, and say 'hi' rather than just walk by," he said.
- Janette Crawford is a Kansas University student.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.