Sydney Richardson will be the new editor-in-chief of the Chronicle for the spring semester. Richardson, a senior journalism major with a minor in voiceover from Woodridge, Illinois, will lead the newsroom at a critical time for the college as it grapples with a decline in enrollment but also a new presidential vision.
Richardson has worked at the Chronicle since Fall 2023 and helped cover the historic part-time faculty strike and other major campus news, including the restructuring of the college and its academic programs. She was a podcast host before becoming deputy editor this semester. In that role, Richardson oversees the Chronicle’s “Chronversations” and “Three C’s” podcasts, and has helped to strengthen audio storytelling at the paper. She has also covered political news and stories on Black student enrollment and student disability.
“The Chronicle has been instrumental in my journalism education, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it,” Richardson said. “Working here has given me a lot of practical, hands-on experience in a really supportive environment.”
Richardson will take over for senior journalism major Vivian Richey, the editor-in-chief this fall. Richey will be the Chronicle’s enterprise editor in the spring. Senior journalism major Emma Jolly will step into the deputy role.
“Next semester is my last at the Chronicle, and I’m really excited to keep working with her and the rest of leadership to finish out the year strong for all of us graduating before we pass it on to the next group,” Richey said.
Richardson was selected by the Chronicle’s Advisory Board.
“She is an advocate for Chronicle reporters being more visible in the college community,” said former Chronicle faculty advisor Curtis Lawrence, a member of the board. “That also results in more thorough and accurate reporting.”
Board member and Columbia alum Molly Walsh, a reporter for The Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com, said Richardson would be “an empathetic newsroom leader.”
The Chronicle announced Richardson’s new role during a staff meeting on Friday, Dec. 5.
“The Chronicle is both a crucial resource for the campus community and a powerful educational opportunity for our staff,” Richardson said. “We keep the community informed and connected during uncertain times and are constantly producing high-quality journalism. I’m excited to work with our new and returning staff members this spring.”
Matthew Cunningham, associate professor of instruction in the School of Communication and Culture, said Richardson has a natural instinct for what makes a good story.
“She understands how to share complicated stories in an approachable way,” Cunningham said. “She will be an excellent editor-in-chief. I look forward to seeing what comes from the Chronicle when she is in charge.”
Jackie Spinner, the Chronicle’s faculty advisor who hired Richardson, said she is a careful and meticulous editor, which is important for maintaining the Chronicle’s credibility.
“Sydney has sharp news instincts and a strong sense of what matters to our campus,” Spinner said. “She has earned the respect of the newsroom, and I’m confident she will guide the Chronicle with integrity.”
Copy edited by Brandon Anaya
