Student-run newspaper: Made by the students for the students. That is something we take pride in here at The Easterner.

Unfortunately students, many of whom lack any work history, aren’t always qualified to operate the budget and staff necessary to run a weekly news production. This need for help has become increasingly evident in my tenure at The Easterner.

Advising is vital to college students and a student-run newspaper is no different. This need was recognized by the Board of Student Publication this past year when it was decided that, along with our production adviser, we would have an adviser in place to assist in financial and managerial decisions.

Cue Samantha Armstrong.

The Easterner welcomed Armstrong, associate director of Student Activities Involvement and Leadership, in October 2015, beginning her standing as an administrative figure.

In her short time with the paper, she has provided desperately-needed advising on the managerial and financial side of this institution. Her intentions, from what I’ve seen, are in the best interest of the future improvement of The Easterner and the journalism department as a whole.

Unfortunately, as a journalist, it is extremely frustrating that one of our administrators also oversees the same campus clubs and organizations which The Easterner is responsible for reporting on.

To my understanding, Armstrong has played no role in the production of our paper but the board’s negligence in selecting such an engaged figure to simultaneously become an administrator disregards many of the same principles we have been taught to live by as students of journalism.

As I said, I believe that Armstrong has played no direct role in the production of this newspaper in her short tenure here. Sadly, that does not mean the avenues within which we are able to operate have not been influenced.

“Talk to Sam Armstrong.”

I have heard this countless times as a member of this editorial staff. Just this week, I was told to go speak with her to follow up on a story lead. But furthering an investigation by interviewing an administrator of my own organization is problematic, to say the least.

Her position as the associate director of SAIL undoubtedly made her an excellent resource for the student journalists in the past years. However, Armstrong’s holding of this new position clearly creates an ethical dilemma, which anyone with a minute understanding of journalism law can see.

The progress at The Easterner in Armstrong’s time has been greatly appreciated. Her managerial experience and understanding of the University was without a doubt the greatest need of this publication. She quickly proved she was capable of performing her new duties well above what was expected.

Regrettably, this is a matter that goes beyond ability. Armstrong might be the best person for this position, but that does not mean she is the right person.