Seven U of A Students to Lead Student Media for 2021-22

Congratulations to the 2021-22 student media managers! Seven U of A students were chosen as student media leaders to manage the student media outlets in the Division of Student Affairs for the upcoming year.

Sarah Komar was selected as the new Arkansas Traveler editor. Komar, 22, is from Kansas City, Missouri, majoring in news/editorial journalism. "I have been dreaming of becoming editor-in-chief of The Arkansas Traveler basically since the moment I first stepped into the newsroom as a new staff reporter almost two years ago," Komar said. "It almost feels surreal that it is finally happening, but I am honored and excited to lead the outlet that I love so much in the coming year. I can't wait for this year of learning, growth, teamwork and, of course, excellent journalism."

The new Hill Magazine editor is Sophie Brock. Brock, 20, is from Overland Park, Kansas, majoring in advertising and public relations. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity and I'm excited for this upcoming year," Brock said.

UATV's station manager is Ben Sawyers. The 21-year-old is from Memphis, Tennessee, majoring in advertising and public relations. "I'm looking forward to informing the campus community and amplifying student voices through our work at UATV," Sawyers said.

Heath Anderson will continue as the KXUA station manager. He is a two-term KXUA station manager. Anderson, 22, is from Little Rock and is majoring in broadcast journalism. "I'm excited to take on another year as KXUA station manager and to finally move into our new studio," Anderson said. 

The new Razorback Yearbook editor is Sarah Rawls. Rawls, 22, is a two-term Razorback Yearbook editor from Sheridan and is double-majoring in journalism and mathematics. She first became interested in student media in high school and fell in love with the yearbook's format of storytelling. "After one year of yearbook in high school, I couldn't seem to get away from it," Rawls said. "The passion I have for yearbooks has led me to major changes, and is the fuel for my drive. I hope in this next year I continue to show and spread my passion for the Razorback on this campus."

The new Main Hill Media Agency Manager is Jasmine James. James, 20, is from Singapore and is double-majoring in business and psychology. She joined the Main Hill Media team because it seemed like a very practical way to get real-life sales and advertising experience while also being a student. "I'm extremely excited and honored to lead this agency and I'm certain we will do meaningful work!" James said. 

Yael Even was named the director of Strategic Media and Collaboration. Even, 19, is from Dallas, Texas, and majoring in broadcast journalism. "I hope to continue to help increase visibility and the brand of student media. I cannot wait to grow what Heidi Kirk started as the next director of strategic media," Even said.

The Sue Walk Burnett Center for Journalism and Student Media features a state-of-the-art integrated newsroom where students from all journalism disciplines can converge and a UATV television studio with an open view of one of the busiest hot spots on campus. The Candace Dixon-Horne Radio Broadcast Center also opened its doors last fall and houses KXUA and two radio production studios. For the first time in the history of the university, KXUA is now located across the hall from the other student media outlets.  

The centers are home to the university's student media programs, a part of the Division of Student Sffairs, which include the Arkansas Traveler newspaper, UATV, KXUA 88.3-FM/national public radio, the Razorback Yearbook, Hill Magazine and Main Hill Media, the student-run advertising agency.