Jones both updated alums on today's State News and took input from his predecessors. "It really helped me take a step back and see things from the perspective of people who were in my shoes as a student journalist in years past," Jones said. "I'm really thankful for all of the tips and advice I received."

Among those sharing their wisdom was Ian Kullgren, now with Bloomberg Law and State News EIC in 2013-14: "It was energizing, especially in the middle of a pandemic, to meet the next generation of State News leadership," he said. "This year's staff will face unprecedented challenges but its mission is more vital than ever. As State News alumni, we have a special responsibility to help the next generation of S'Newsers whenever and however they need it."

Jones is a rising senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma who is finishing a degree in international journalism and history. Prior to being elevated to EIC he served as both city and campus editors and in City of East Lansing and general assignment reporting roles. He has also worked with Capital News Service in the MSU School of Journalism and the MediaWise Voter Project out of The Poynter Institute, according to his portfoilo web site.

Before entering journalism he was on the MSU Debate Team traveling across the country to compete at national tournaments. As EIC Jones succeeded Madison O'Connor, who spent the summer at the Indianapolis Star for the Pulliam Fellowship.

​As the pandemic appears likely to nix in-person events for the foreseeable future, more digital events are being conceptualized, including an EIC virtual update to alums sometime this fall. All subscribers to SNAA's free quarterly email newsletter are automatically invited to all digital events at no cost.

To sign up for the newsletter and event reminders (as nearly 250 of your peers already have), please send an email with your name, preferred email address, year of graduation and what you do to alumni@statenews.com.

Did you miss it? You can watch the recorded event right by clicking right here.