Arianna Griffiths, Editor-in-Chief–
Ellie Owen ’25 has been an integral member of The Denisonian since her first year, evolving from a staff writer to Arts & Life editor, and eventually to editor-in-chief. As she proofread this very edition, she completed her official tenure on the staff.
“I feel like I always wanted to be a journalist growing up,” Owen said. “So, when I came here, I was super excited to get involved with the paper.”
After being a staff writer her first year, Owen applied to become an editor as a sophomore and got the role of Arts & Life editor.
“I think the arts scene on campus was really compelling to me, and I liked that arts and life had a lot of options for what to write about for that section, and I really liked that it was a little more creative…and got to celebrate people’s performances…I always liked that,” she said.
Owen emphasized the importance of getting involved on campus as well as finding community. On campus, she works as an Admissions Docent and is a member of the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta.
One of the places she found a community during college was at The Denisonian.
“Being part of a community in college is really important. I think finding your people is really important, but finding your people in a situation where you can do something that you love and help prepare you for the future is amazing,” she said.
After serving as Arts & Life editor, Owen knew she wanted to continue her involvement with the newspaper and applied to become editor-in-chief. But this did not come without challenge, as Owen was initially nervous about stepping out of her comfort zone to try something new.
“Even though I was really excited to be part of the paper, I was really nervous, and I’m glad that I got over my fear and did something a little out of my comfort zone because it brought me here, and it allowed me to become an editor and then become editor-in-chief.”
She finds The Denisonian to be a creative outlet during stressful times, and she enjoys being able to showcase the hard work others are doing on campus.
“I like when people get the attention they deserve for doing something really interesting, and I like that the newspaper helps to spread the word about people that you might not know,” Owen said.
Being part of Kappa Alpha Theta has been another important element of her pursuit of community throughout her college years, especially one that provided companionship and support while she held the position.
“My Theta friends have been so supportive throughout the process of being editor-in-chief,” she said. “They’ve encouraged me, they’ve supported me, they’ve just been great.”
A journalism major, Owen hopes to follow that career path professionally; it’s one she’s already started.
“I’d say my proudest accomplishment in college would probably be getting a story in the Columbus Dispatch, which is a story that I co-wrote about the opioid crisis and housing in the Newark, Ohio area,” Owen said. “I think my dream job would just be to keep writing for a newspaper and keep doing meaningful reporting wherever I end up.”
She also encourages anyone who is interested in journalism to try taking a class because it’s a great way to learn more about journalism and become a better writer in general. She has also written for The Reporting Project, Denison’s nonprofit online news site that is associated with the journalism department.
Her advice: Don’t let nerves hold you back from pursuing activities you’re passionate about.
“I’d say to all freshmen that they should get involved in something that really speaks to them and brings them joy, and for me, that was the paper,” Owen said.
“One of the best parts of being editor-in-chief has been working with Arianna Griffiths, my co-editor, Max Dolinh, our managing editor, and every single one of the amazing editors and writers that are part of The Denisonian team. I am so proud of them and all of the work they have done for the past year, and I am looking forward to seeing what they are going to do next semester.”
On a personal note, working with Ellie on the paper, from being Arts & Life editors together to co-editors-in-chief, has been one of my favorite parts of my college experience. I have learned so much from her throughout our years on the paper together about journalistic editing and AP style, but also how to be an effective leader and decision-maker. Ellie, thank you for your leadership and years of work on The Denisonian, the staff and I are very grateful for everything you have done for us and the paper.