The Kernel Media Board of Directors appointed Hannah Stanley and Emma Reilly as the editors-in-chief of the Kentucky Kernel and KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion for the 2023-2024 school year.

Stanley, a junior dual majoring in marketing and communication with a minor in journalism, previously worked as the Kernel’s news editor and currently holds the position of managing editor.

“Overall, I was so excited. I have been looking forward to being an editor-in-chief of a college paper since my sophomore year of high school when I first began my journey,” Stanley said. “It feels amazing to be granted the privilege of living out that dream.”

Stanley has big plans for the Kernel during her time as editor-in chief.

“My biggest goal is to successfully print and distribute our newest change of printing only special sections and to grow our social media following,” Stanley said. “I want more people to pick up our papers on campus and be reading their news from the Kernel.”

Stanley thanked the Kernel’s current editor-in-chief, Rayleigh Deaton, for her support leading up to the board’s appointment.

“I 100% could not have done it without Rayleigh, she was more than I could’ve ever asked for, and she was the most supportive person throughout the entire process,” Stanley said.

Reilly, a sophomore majoring in integrated strategic communication and double minoring in psychology and creative writing, previously held the title of assistant lifestyle editor for KRNL. She is currently the magazine’s managing editor.

Upon hearing the news that she was named the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Reilly had one word to describe how she felt: elation.

“Once I found out I got the position I immediately became more relaxed and confident knowing that the board, my advisers and Rana trusted me with the role,” Reilly said.

Reilly also extended a special thanks to the current editor-in-chief of KRNL, Rana Alsoufi.

“(Alsoufi) believed in me since the very beginning, and that’s a big reason why I’ve kept growing and pushing myself as a writer and a leader during my time at KRNL so far,” Reilly said. “I’m honored to be able to follow (her) example.”

Reilly has plans to build on KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion’s success to help expand the magazine and make it more well-known in the Lexington community.

UK Student Media Adviser Ryan Craig gave his support of the board’s decision to appoint the two new leaders.

“I think they are both capable, smart and good at their jobs before they were editors. They both did excellent jobs as managing editors, and I feel like the board of directors for Kernel Media made a good choice in choosing Hannah and Emma,” Craig said. “They both have bright futures, and I look forward to seeing what they can do.”