Shipman named editor of The Shield

The University of Southern Indiana's Student Publishing Committee has selected Robert (Bobby) Shipman IV as editor in chief of USI's student newspaper, The Shield, for the 2015-16 academic year. He replaces current editor, James Vaughn.

Shipman, an Evansville native, is a first semester senior with a double major in journalism and radio and TV, and a minor in English with an emphasis on creative writing. He has served as news editor with The Shield since January 2015, and held other editorial positions with the publication since May 2013. He also is employed part time by the Evansville Courier & Press.

Shipman was one of 10 students selected for the 2014 Eugene C. Pulliam Internship Program through the Hoosier State Press Association, a prestigious program that awards students the opportunity to participate in a paid internship for 10 weeks with an Indiana newspaper. He was placed as a reporter with The Corydon Democrat in Corydon, Indiana, where he had the opportunity to write general news stories, features and take photographs.

He views his new position at The Shield as "a great opportunity, and is most looking forward to being in charge of a staff, building a team and building on what the previous editors put in place."  His main focus will be creating an atmosphere of creativity and communication.

Shipman describes his primary goal as editor-in-chief as "bringing fresh ideas to the newsroom that will help the publication to adapt to the industry's ever-changing climate." As part of that goal he plans to increase online content for The Shield through social media and the digital version of the publication. He also plans to utilize new technology such as the Meerkat App, which allows users to stream and record live video for later viewing on The Shield's website.

As to the type of leader he hopes to be, Shipman says, "My management style will focus heavily on coaching. I want my staff to know that I am still learning as well, and will encourage them to provide consistent feedback on my ability to coach and aid them."

Abbey Doyle, Shipman's supervisor at the Evansville Courier & Press describes him as "having a knack for capturing and retelling colorful vignettes of those he is writing about." 

Shipman admits he has a full plate and describes the newspaper business as, "stressful, but fun, rewarding and something I love doing."

Applications for positions at The Shield are available online or in The Shield's office. To get involved, call 812-465-1682, or visit the office in the lower level of University Center East, Room 227.