James Crutchfield, a former newspaper editor and publisher, was named the director of Student Media at ASU today.
He was also named Weil Family Professor of Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Crutchfield said he looks forward to the position because he has a passion for developing future journalists.
"I see the Student Media position as a way to have a great impact on the journalists and the journalism of the future," he said in a press release. "ASU is in the right place, and this is the right time for Student Media to be a laboratory for new ways in the news media."
As director of Student Media, Crutchfield will oversee The State Press, the ASU Web Devil and SDTV.
Crutchfield is replacing Kristin Gilger who stepped down to become assistant dean of the Cronkite School.
Crutchfield, a former publisher of the Akron Beacon Journal, is well qualified for the position, Gilger said.
"I feel good about handing over the reigns to him," she said.
The search for a new director went longer than expected, but it was worth the wait, Gilger said.
"Like many positions, it's finding the exact right fit, and Jim is the exact right fit," she added.
State Press Editor in Chief Ryan Kost said he was confident Crutchfield was perfect for the job.
"I really think he's going to bring a new energy and a different perspective to Student Media," he said.
Reach the reporter at: kristi.eaton@asu.edu.
