Former Oregon Daily Emerald editor in chief Ryan Frank has been selected to lead the University of Oregon’s independent student news organization into the 21st century as its new publisher.
Frank will begin at the Emerald on Feb. 28 after being unanimously chosen by the Emerald Board of Directors for the position.
Frank views his new role as publisher as a chance to make a difference in the future of journalism.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to work with students on both the advertising and editorial sides to create a new model for journalism in the 21^st century,” Frank said. “The biggest goals are to try and continue to adapt the Emerald to fit the new media world, both in print and online and on both the editorial and advertising side.”
As a former student editor himself, Frank has a unique perspective for a publisher.
“Ryan brings an unparalleled passion to working with student journalists,” said Emerald editor in chief Nora Simon. “As an alumnus of the Emerald and the University, he values the student experience and wants to put the Emerald on the cutting edge of student-driven media.”
As Emerald editor in chief during its centennial year from 1998 to 1999, Frank led the Emerald to be a finalist in the Pacemaker, college journalism’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. Before becoming editor, he was sports editor and newsroom representative to the Emerald Board of Directors.
The Emerald publisher is responsible for maintaining the organization’s financial health and working with the student editor and advertising department to develop a sustainable business plan for the company’s digital future.
“We selected Ryan Frank for his knowledge of the unique challenges facing the Emerald, his ability to inspire this generation of student journalists, and his passion for innovation,” board chair Melody Ward Leslie said.
Frank earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University’s School of Journalism and Communication in 1999 and began at The Oregonian as a government, business and investigative reporter.
Frank will succeed Mike Thoele, who has been interim publisher since August 2010.  Thoele plans to take some time off after Ryan comes aboard, then return in fall term to teaching as an adjunct instructor in the University’s School of Journalism and Communication.
Frank is excited to be back at the Emerald — though this time in a much different role.
“I love its independent spirit,” Frank said. “I love the exercise of daily journalism it puts the students through. I love the culture. I love the campus. I love an organization that is willing to take some calculated risks to figure out what a newsroom should be like in the modern world.”
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