PLUMA - Fall 202530-page student publication
Executive case study
Leading Nationally Recognized Publications
I transformed The Keystone from a primarily administrative publication into a student-led statewide media platform with repeatable editorial systems and succession.
The transformation
From reporting participation to generating engagement.
The work combined editorial strategy, student leadership development, content operations, visual redesign, statewide outreach, recognition systems, and succession planning.
Strategy
- Redesign the purpose: build a statewide media platform that informs, connects, celebrates, and develops members.
- Build an editorial operating system: standardize recruiting, submissions, editing, design, deadlines, distribution, review, and succession.
- Develop student leadership: give students authentic responsibility for writing, editing, design, decision-making, collaboration, and deadlines.
- Connect to the organization: link content to chapter activity, officers, awards, convention programming, and statewide participation.
Outcomes
17 → 52 pages
Issue length grew while the publication developed a consistent architecture.
15+ issues
Across the broader publication portfolio.
4 national awards
Recognition for sustained quality and student leadership.
Authentic publication evidence
The following images are rendered directly from the original PLUMA and Keystone PDFs retrieved from the connected Google Drive.
Keystone - Fall 202546-page statewide publication
Editorial system in practiceStudent voice, recurring content, design, recognition, and statewide participation
Executive decision method
How I approached the work.
Challenge: define the underlying organizational problem rather than treating a visible symptom. Strategy: align people, evidence, roles, communication, and operating rhythm. Action: create usable structures and sequence implementation. Results: measure reach, participation, quality, continuity, and stakeholder value. Learning: document what should be repeated, revised, or transferred.
Artifacts and evidence
| Artifact | What it demonstrates |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021, Fall 2025, and Winter 2026 issues | Editorial and visual transformation over time |
| Publication covers and representative spreads | Quality, audience experience, and student voice |
| Editorial calendars and workflows | Repeatable production and succession systems |
| Awards and convention materials | Recognition, visibility, and organizational integration |
Transferable leadership value
Content strategy · Publishing operations · Communications · Cross-functional project management · Leadership development · Organizational systems · Succession planning