Biology freshman Keith Salowich was selected from a six person committee of both peers and Ferris staff and faculty members to serve as the next Editor-in-Chief of the Ferris State Torch.
Salowich was hired in September of 2014 as a sports reporter by former Torch Sports Editor and now Big Rapids Pioneer Sports Editor Richard Mead. Following Salowich’s hiring and Mead’s departure, Salowich rapidly moved up the ranks to editor of the sports section by the holiday break.
“I stepped into the Torch office during my first week here on campus in hopes of being hired as a reporter,” Salowich said. “I was thrilled just to be offered the job as a sports writer, and was even more excited when I was promoted to sports section editor.”
Mead recalls a reporter with promise when he hired Salowich just seven months ago.
“From experience, Keith is a perfect choice,” Mead said. “He holds firm ethics in journalism and has great leadership qualities. I firmly believe that his journalistic integrity will help further the Torch and set a precedent in the eyes of its readers.”
Salowich, 18, is from Taylor, Michigan, and had headed up the sports section in the Spring 2015 semester for only a month and a half prior to deciding to enter his application for Editor-in-Chief.
“I’ll be taking another step next year by taking on the Editor-in-Chief position,” Salowich said. “I would’ve never been able to rise through the ranks without the help and guidance of the rest of the staff. It’s a great group of people and I can’t wait to lead them next year.”
Salowich will succeed journalism junior Harrison Watt as Editor-in-Chief. Watt served as the sports editor during the 2013-14 year and was hired just prior to his freshman year in the fall of 2012 as a sports reporter.
“I’m pleased with the selection of Salowich,” Watt said. “The other candidates for this job are exceptional people as well that I’m confident will work closely with him to benefit the future of this paper. I’ve been working here every moment since I stepped on campus nearly three years ago, and while I’ll miss this, I’m content that it’s in the hands of a young man with a very promising future.”