Letters from Current Editors 2024-2025

I write this letter to you all as, well, many things; a graduating Hatter, a soon to be former Editor-in-Chief, a former Executive Editor of Touchstone, a goth, a big hearted sentimental and most importantly a different person than when I first entered Stetson four years ago. In the four years here, I expanded my personhood, surpassing ceilings I previously thought to be completely out of my reach, out of my comfort zone and out of my character. 

I know what it means to be changed by Hatter Network, and the challenges that come with it. From the bottom of my aching heart, every single word I have written, curated and formed for these publications has been a fingerprint of who I am, a little mark to blend who I am and who I have become throughout these years. 

If you find yourself perusing old copies of The Reporter, I encourage you to sit with the editor letters and dance through the editions to watch the growth and flourishing of who we were and who we now are. I always find myself in such a transitional moment in life as I write these letters, so let my overwhelming emo shine as I say that the hidden light in each of you will have its day in the sun. I am undoubtedly grateful I got to soak up the sun so many times with Hatter Network. To Sara, stepping into this position is scary, truly, but take it as it comes. Walk straight into the fog with courage and love. You will never be led astray if you trust yourself for who you are. To my future Editorial Board, don’t waste your time in the sun and don’t lose sight of the powerful underground, your passion. 

With all my love and adoration, farewell!

• Ali Burgess, Editor-in-Chief 24-25

 When I wrote my first letter after stepping into this role, I talked about creating something great, embracing new adventures, and my gratitude to you — the readers — for sticking with me as I figured out how on earth I was supposed to run an entire magazine.

But you all stuck with me.
This year, we had our adventures — some familiar, some that pushed us beyond our comfort zones. Ultimately, we fused both safety and risk to truly uncover the underground, what lies beneath the surface. As someone who functions on, like… three hours of sleep (which, to be clear, I do not recommend — God himself created the universe in six days and still managed to rest on the seventh, you can and should get some sleep), I’ve learned to notice things. The little things. The overlooked things. The things that make us different — and, often, the same.

So, as I take off my Executive Editor hat and pass the torch, I leave you with this: pay attention. To the people, places, and moments you might normally overlook. You never know what might change your life. For me, it was The Reporter.
A special thank you to Mrs. P, Eli, Olena, Alex and my super-slay staff for their support on this journey.
Well, it’s been fun, but I’ve got to go. Thanks for the mems, I suppose.
Signing off.

• Sara Ward, Executive Editor 24-25

The past two years with The Reporter have been anything but boring. I started as the News Editor in my sophomore year with no prior knowledge of AP style writing or journalistic flair. Now, as the Managing Editor, I still have to reference the AP Stylebook every time I write a sentence, but I do it with managerial confidence. My journey with The Reporter was unexpected–sometimes unhinged–but it has always been interesting. My time on the staff has taught me to explore my interests and learn what feels right. I am grateful for the opportunities to develop my photography skills and showcase my work on some of the magazine covers, to improve my casual writing skills and to learn how to ask the right questions. And, I’m even more grateful to pass the baton to someone who has an overwhelming passion for writing stories that matter. It’s been a bumpy ride, sometimes a slog. Sometimes an endless race to the next deadline, but it’s been a formative two years of my life. To you, the reader, your task is to trust yourself, trust your decisions, and learn what feels right for you.

• Reagan Shivers, Managing Editor 24-25

During my time at Hatter Network, I’ve made some incredible connections. The community here is filled with talent, and the environment we’ve fostered is truly something special. We work as a team to bring ideas to life. As Creative Director, I’ve had the unique opportunity to collaborate with my peers, shape the layout and design of The Reporter magazine, and support the work of our other branches. Now, as I graduate, I find myself reflecting on how newly founded the Creative Team still is — we’re just beginning to carve out our own niche in the community. But I have faith in my successor, Maria. Look out, Hatters — she’s a designer with passion and will bring her own ideas to the team. She’s been a dedicated staff member and consistently brings polished, thoughtful designs to the table. My friends, you are all in good hands. Have fun, and stay creative!

• Michelle Marshall, Creative Director 24-25

Letters from Upcoming Editors 2025-2026

You didn’t think that was it, did you? PUH-LEASE. You can’t get rid of me that easily.

But seriously, let me get back on my soapbox.

When we step outside ourselves, we notice things — stories, people, perspectives — we might have otherwise missed. And for those who feel a little different, what makes you different is what makes you special. As “for KING & COUNTRY” puts it, I don’t know what it’s like to be you, and you don’t know what it’s like to be me. What if we’re all the same in different kinds of ways?

That’s what I love about Hatter Network. It’s a home for those who may have ever felt unnoticed, forgotten or maybe even a little lost. No matter your background, beliefs or creative passion, there’s a place for you here.

This next year is for anyone, including myself, who’s ever felt like they aren’t enough. Ali, you left enormous, gargantuan shoes to fill. You did an incredible job building the foundation — now it’s time to keep building.

I know what it’s like to wonder if your voice matters. But when I stepped into Hatter Network I was met by people who didn’t just read my work — they encouraged me, challenged me, and changed everything.

So here’s my task for you: notice the unnoticed, uplift the unheard and take up space where you once thought you didn’t belong. Because trust me — you belong.

Till next time…

• Sara Ward, Editor-in-Chief 25-26

The underground scene has always been such a welcoming place for me, nurturing my artistic abilities and passions in a way that no other outlet has. From honing my writing skills in childhood to sharpening them in adulthood, the underground has been my creative sandbox— providing everything I need, free of judgment. My efforts have only been met with curiosity and support for all forms of expression, whether through poetry, DIY projects, art and now my journalistic writing. Now as I step into my senior year and take on the role of Executive Editor at The Reporter, I look back fondly at all of the creations that have flourished from my time in underground spaces. I am eternally grateful to these scenes and to the Hatter Network team for making sure that there would always be a place for my curiosity and creativity. I’m so happy for The Reporter to have been and continue to be that place for me to thrive. I know that, alongside Sara (shoutout to our new EIC), I can lead the incoming editorial board to not only make The Reporter into the best magazine that it can be, but to allow it to continue to be an expressive outlet for anyone who seeks it out. Especially as I graduate after next year and move on into my post-graduate studies and career.

• Nico Alonso, Executive Editor 25-26

I have always admired the underground. It feels like straddling the line and tasting the best of both worlds. Underground voices get to reap the glory of fame while maintaining the intimacy of a small audience. Being an underground voice lacks some of the risk, which is why I’ve always hidden in The Reporter’s pages. However, transitioning into the Managing Editor position, I hope I can write stories as bold as the light rays that break the darkness when you’re below ground or as bold as the strokes that my predecessor, Reagan Shivers, has left on The Reporter.

• De’Vanese John-Baptiste, Managing Editor 25-26

As the incoming Creative Director of The Reporter I feel I ought to warn you that I’m much better at expressing myself through visuals rather than words but I’ll do my best!

In my time working as a staff designer on the Creative Team I feel as though I’ve truly come out from underground, if you will. During my time here I’ve watched our branch grow and evolve. I’ve seen the love and care that past directors have infused into these publications. I’ve watched our wonderful team go through so many changes, and I am more than honored to be a part of its legacy. The Creative Team is all about lifting up talented artists of all trades and giving them a chance to shine. This position is truly so much more than just me, this team is built on the talent and skill of artists who’ve had the courage to make their way aboveground. As Creative Director, I for one am very excited to see what our team digs up next. I could not be prouder of what our Creative Team has accomplished, and I’m so excited to be a part of its next chapter.

To anyone who feels as though they have something to share, something just beneath the surface, I implore you to let it out. I can guarantee that your community will be all the better for it.

• Maria Latour, Creative Director 25-26

Hi, I am Indya Mckoy, the incoming Photo Editor of The Reporter! I have been part of the Creative Team for almost two years, and have enjoyed every second of it. It has allowed me to grow creatively, and also encouraged me to become more confident in my photography skills. I have felt so supported throughout the time I have spent on the team, and want to return the love. I am so glad that the Photo Editor position has come back, and I hope to help lessen the amount of hard work the incoming Creative Director has to do! As Photo Editor, I want to promote creativity in any sort of artistic medium! When I was a Freshman at Stetson, I did not have any photography or photo editing experience whatsoever. My Sophomore year, I decided to take a photography course and purchase a camera, out of casual interest. I ended up enjoying it a lot, and wanted to continue creating all the time, but, outside of digital art class, did not know where to begin. Then I heard about the Creative Team, and decided to apply. Don’t get me wrong, I was very nervous and there was a lot of hesitation and doubt, but everyone was extremely welcoming. As the reader/ viewer, I encourage you to dive into your interests! You are always going to be your own worst critic.

• Indya Mckoy, Photo Editor 25-26