Delta State University First Lady Pat Hilpert was recently honored by being selected to serve on the editorial board of The Clarion Ledger. Chosen from more than 100 applicants, Hilpert will serve on the 12-member reader board that is charged with analyzing latest news and opinion trends and discussing what position the newspaper will take on a range of issues.
Hilpert submitted her application when she noticed a side bar in The Clarion-Ledger announcing the paper was adding readers to its editorial board.
"I served on the editorial board for a daily newspaper in another state and was excited about the opportunity to serve on the board of Mississippi’s largest daily paper," said Hilpert.
The reader editorial board, which meets monthly, also participates in regular weekly editorial board sessions to discuss issues and meet with newsmakers and political leaders.
"There is a diverse membership on the board," said Hilpert. "We have members from all walks of life with varying professional backgrounds and interests which creates very interesting meetings."
It was Hilpert’s experience, plus her interest in educational and health care issues, that drove her to pursue membership on the board.
"Obviously, I have a strong interest in education, and my career as a registered nurse created my passion for health care," said Hilpert. "My interest in politics stems from my run for the state legislature in South Dakota prior to our moving to Delta State. I want to see these issues are covered and help increase awareness of the Delta."
"As a board member, I am responsible for reviewing news content with fellow members and making recommendations," said Hilpert. "I will interview newsmakers and write opinion pieces and I have been offered the opportunity to author a featured blog."
"We are honored to have Ms. Hilpert participate as a member of the Reader Editorial Board," said Clarion-Ledger Editorial Director David Hampton. "She not only brings insight from her professional experience and background, but also from her role at Delta State and as someone keenly interested in policies that can help shape the future of the Delta. We look forward to hearing her viewpoints and publishing her opinions in The Clarion-Ledger."
"The editorial board serves an important function, assisting The Clarion Ledger to better serve and inform its readers," said Hilpert. "I am very pleased with the welcome we have received from The Clarion-Ledger management and staff, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve."
