For the first time, a woman is general manager of The State News.
Marty Sprigg, who was promoted to the position in August, said she couldn’t be more excited about her new position.
“I am very excited and looking forward to the challenges student newspapers face,” she said.
Sprigg came to MSU in 1994 to work for The State News as the advertising adviser. In Nov. 2000, she became interim general manager - a stepping stone for her current position.
“This job involves teaching and mentoring, both of which I am capable of doing, and at the same time, I enjoy watching students grow,” she said.
Sprigg was elected general manager in a unanimous decision by The State News Board of Directors on Aug.17. Many of the board members praised Spriggs’ leadership and work ethic.
Victor Rauch, president of the board, said the other finalists were excellent, but it was Sprigg’s position as interim general manager that put her ahead of the pack.
“Marty is a competent, experienced and excellent communicator,” Rauch said. “She is not afraid to seek advice and in general, she is the right person to be in this position.”
And Matthew Barten, the board’s treasurer, said Sprigg has an excellent relationship with MSU students and staff.
“Many students look up to her, and she’s the right choice to lead The State News in its next steps,” he said.
Sprigg said she’s responsible for handling the day-to-day operations of the newspaper, which include distribution, handling finances and respecting the rights of students to control its content.
Sprigg said she hopes to be a good role model and “set a standard for a realistic expectation of what students can expect when they leave the newspaper.”
A Grateful Dead fan, Sprigg enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her two children - besides all the “kids” she has in the newsroom.
Editor-in-Chief Mary Sell said the student panel decided to vote unanimously for Sprigg.
“For the past nine months, she has worked well with us and made a lot of improvements to the newsroom,” she said. “I’m looking forward to finishing my tenure with her.
“She’s done good things for advertising and the newsroom.”
