The Evolution of SMU's Journal
Written by Carmen Garcia
Thumbnail & Banner Photo by The SMU Journal
The SMU Journal, as we know it today, is the only independent student-run publication at Saint Mary’s University, founded in the 1960s. Prior to the conception of The SMU Journal though, Saint Mary’s had other student publications: the “Santamarian”, served as a quarterly published journal dating back to 1908, before “The Tattler” launched in 1923 as a monthly publication, later being replaced by the conception of “The Collegian” in 1925 as an occasional publication with several issues each year, including a “graduation issue” at the end of the year. However, following the year 1928, “The Collegian” began only publishing its graduation issue, becoming the “de facto yearbook” where in 1957 the yearbook then rebranded to “The Santamarian”.
However, I should note that just in these past 4 years, the Journal itself has undergone numerous changes, tied to the works of past contributors and most notably Braden Newell, the former Chair of the Board of Directors. Serving as a voice for students and delivering relevant, high-quality, and consistent content written by students for students and the Saint Mary’s community, the evolution of the SMU Journal in Braden Newell’s words, can be attributed to having been led in a way to “grasp student interests and thoughts”. With this outlook, the Journal was able to grow immensely in both membership and readership, turning from paper to digital in January 2020, and being able to introduce compensation for its members of the society.
I had the opportunity to speak with Braden Newell, who answered some questions regarding his time at the Journal and his knowledge of its history and changes.
What initially inspired you to take on a leadership role (Chair of the Board of Directors or any other in the past) for the SMU Journal?
Braden: During my time at the Journal I primarily served as the Board Chair and Executive Director. I also briefly (about a year) served as our technology writer as a tertiary responsibility…
Before joining the Journal I had a failed campaign to join SMUSA’s board. Following that loss, it was pitched to me that the Journal needed a new board member and it’d be a great governance opportunity. Little did I think I’d end up running the entire organization for over 3 years. Looking back, I now have a tremendous appreciation for what the Journal means for our community and student journalism as the seeding group much of that talent stems from. Over my time at the Journal, I’m immensely proud of the growth and success we experienced. Of course, I wish I knew what I know now to have been a better leader and help grow it even more.
During your time working for the SMU Journal, it not only saw substantial growth in memberships and readership, but the introduction of compensation for its members as well. What was your vision going into this and what about the SMU Journal’s initial structure were you able to change and how, assuming challenges may have emerged?
Braden: The Journal had been a levied society long before I joined (Author’s note: levied definition: to demand an amount of money, such as a tax, from a person or organization. Which in relation to the Journal having been a levied society is a $4.25 journal fee being charged onto SMU students’ student fees). After a few years of sparse operation, that gave us a decent reserve to pull from. Prior to my joining of the Journal, much of the funds were used to pay for paper printing. Shortly after joining the Journal, I conducted a student survey to grasp student interest and thoughts. One thing was very clear, students didn’t want paper, they wanted digital. This worked well given digital was much cheaper and my personal vision for the publication.
I knew I wanted to compensate students… People need to value their work, students in particular. Yes, volunteering is important and the Journal wasn’t for profit, but I wanted to provide students with some small token of appreciation for their work… I was proud to provide students with something for their time and commitment to our publication, in addition to the tremendous experience I hope they received.
In terms of society structure, I was fortunate to have a board of directors that supported me through and through. With their support and under my vision, the Journal was completely rebranded and restructured. We built a new website, created a new logo, became digital only, passed not one but at least two (maybe more) constitution revisions, changed the board's composition, and refocused our efforts while still testing new mediums. Admittedly, it wasn't all easy. Far from it. From student writers disappearing to mediums like podcasting and videography being a challenge, in addition to our writing, to more than one challenge from former SMUSA board members, the challenges never stopped coming. Still, despite all that, the Journal came out bigger and better.
It’s clear that your contributions to growing the SMU Journal have resulted in many benefits for its members as well as the student body. Are there any other benefits you found either during your time working for the SMU Journal, or afterwards that most tend to overlook?
Braden: I’m talking a lot about myself and that’s not fair. I had many amazing team members supporting me, most notably my Executive Editors: Diana, Gina, and Claire. Without their commitment and consistency I don't know what I would've done. Then, of course, there was the work done by all the wonderful writers, like yourself… While not perfect, I tried to make the team members feel appreciated. I frankly wish I did more, a lot more, but we tried through team events, gift cards, bonuses, etc. Nevertheless, much of my role at the time was to be the business guy, to be the CEO, to be the “bad guy” resulting in sometimes feeling like I only publicly revealed myself to do the worst parts of the job compared to much of the best parts just keeping the organization running, paying the bills, and connecting with my editors.
What advice would you give current and future members of the SMU Journal to continue its growth and success?
Braden: If you're a writer for the Journal, please support your editors. Don't disappear. Commit to writing great work about content you're passionate about! To the editors, support and encourage your writers to be accountable and do their best work possible. For the executive team and board members, while your work may not be as flashy as publishing an article or piece of content, that work is critical to keeping the organization functional. Without everyone working together and doing their part, there wouldn't be a Journal. Thankfully, we continue to have incredible students who step up and help keep SMU student voices alive and well. Most importantly, leaders continue to reinforce how appreciative you are of your writers and fellow team members and do what you can to show that support.
I couldn't be more appreciative of the supportive people in my life at the time like Cathie Ross, Paula Minnikin, Kyle Morton, and Mitch Archibald who kept me going during those years. I hope the Journal continues to thrive for years to come. Equally so, I hope the students running and contributing to the Journal today are gaining an incredible experience which they can reflect on positively and leverage in their future ambitions.
Reflecting on Newell's journey with the Journal, despite his initial setback with his failed campaign with SMUSA, he was able to take on the pitched role of Chair of Board for the Journal with excellence. His contributions have taken the Journal far with his commitment to the community, and his words of advice for current and future Journal members serve as a great reminder of how important dedication and mutual support amongst all roles are in ensuring the Journal continues to serve as a platform for students' voices.
Currently, the Journal is looking to hire a new Chair of the Board as Kyle Morton, having been passed the torch by Braden Newell in May 2021, has graduated in May of 2023. What started as 11 topics since Morton started his role, has since expanded to 13 to include the newest additions the society successfully launched in September of 2021. These columns include “Graduate Studies and Research” as well as the “LGBTQ+” column that completes the 13 columns we now see as part of the Journal today: Alumni, Arts & Culture, Athletics, By the Editors, Lifestyle, Opinion, SMUSA, Societies, Technology, University, Video games, Graduate Studies and Research, and LGTBQ+. Composed of a committed staff, contributors and a board of directors, the SMU Journal continues to put forth pieces on student-relevant topics and recruit new students to write, edit, manage and govern the society, in the hopes of helping students build valuable skills and keep the Journal alive. Make sure to keep an eye out on our page for job openings if you are interested in joining our team!