Andrew Soukup has been named The Observer's 2002-2003 Assistant Managing Editor and will direct editorial policy with The Observer's top two editors, incoming Editor in Chief Jason McFarley and Managing Editor Kate Nagengast announced Wednesday.

The appointment is effective March 18.

"It's an honor to be one of the paper's top editors and receive the chance to help shape The Observer's future success," Soukup said. "I look forward to working with Jason and Kate and this very talented, dedicated staff of student journalists."

As Assistant Managing Editor, Soukup is responsible for working in conjunction with the Managing Editor on staff recruitment and hiring and developing the mission of The Observer's seven editorial departments. He also will work closely with the Sports Department on training, writing, editing and design.

Soukup, a sophomore Knott Hall resident, is currently the paper's Associate Sports Editor. He began work for The Observer in fall 2000 as a sports writer and has worked as copy editor and production assistant in the department. He has been a beat writer for football, men's basketball, track and field and women's swimming.

A Holland, Mich., native, Soukup is a government major with a concentration in the Journalism, Ethics and Democracy program.

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