Talon News: Meet the Crew

Introducing the 2025-2026 Talon Student News staff:

Editor in Chief: Meredith Madison

Madison is a senior majoring in public communication and she has been writing for the Talon for eight semesters. When asked why she is interested in student journalism, Madison said,

“I love how we are able to get stories that matter to students and also alumni!”

Copy Editor: Emily Forster

Forster is a senior majoring in computer science with cyber security and she has been writing for the Talon for four semesters. When asked about her favorite verse, Forster said,

“‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.’ ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:23-24. This verse is in my email signature, it reminds me that all the work I do at school reflects on me and my relationship with Jesus, all that I do on this campus I do because God gave me the ability to serve.”

Features Editor: Madeline Ross

Ross is a junior majoring in journalism with a minor in writing, this is her fourth semester writing for the Talon. When asked why she is interested in journalism, Ross said,

“I’ve always loved to write. It’s been an outlet for me to work through my thoughts and feelings. Journalism came into play when I realized how much hatred there is in the news. With my love for writing it seemed like the best of both worlds, writing and being able to spread light and truth into the media.”

News Editor: Gideon Mallinson

Mallinson is a sophomore majoring in computer science with cybersecurity, this is his third semester writing for the Talon. When asked about his favorite verse, Mallinson said,

“My favorite verse is Colossians 3:23, because it frames every single thing I do. I do not write for the Talon. I write for God, the Talon is only the outlet that enabled me to.”

Features Assistant: Elle Sharpe

Sharpe is a senior majoring in criminal justice, this is her third semester writing for the Talon. When asked about her favorite drink from the Brew, Sharpe said,

“I work at the Brew, and I had inspiration to create the Polar Bear – vanilla, white mocha, and cinnamon[.]”

Sports Reporter: Alyxander Logan

Logan is a senior communication and english double major, this is his third semester writing for the Talon. When asked about his favorite verse, Logan said,

“John 16:33. It’s my foundation in my everyday life. Each day I remind myself of this verse so I know to live for him boldly because nothing, including death, can win me when my faith is in Jesus.”

Reporter: Eve Cochran

Cochran is a freshman majoring in interior architecture, this is her first semester writing for the Talon. When asked about her dream job, Cochran said,

“I would love to be a Blue Angels pilot. I think flying planes is super awesome, and both my dad and grandpa can do it. I started on my pilots license, but didn’t go far because of the cost. When I was little, my family and I went to a Blue Angels airshow and I was so dazzled by their speed and tricks.”

Reporter: Ella Mae Lucero

Lucero is a freshman majoring in family science and human development, this is her first semester writing for the Talon. When asked about student journalism, Lucero said,

“I am interested in student journalism because it gives me the opportunity to hear the stories and opinions of so many people on campus that I may not have heard otherwise.”

Photographer/Photo Editor: Jonah Hays

Hays is a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Biology, this is his second semester with the Talon. When asked about his favorite verse, Hayes said,

“[M]y favorite verse is Romans 12:1-2, because I find it to be very important that we understand worship isn’t just singing songs, [it’s an] every day, hour, and to the minute lifestyle, of living as a living sacrifice, as we are called to pick up our crosses daily. Verse 2 says we are to not conform to the ways of this world. I am very passionate [about] not abiding in the ways of the world, and sacrificing my reputation in the eyes of man if it means I am following the narrow path to our father and not the wide that leads to destruction from the evil of this world.”

Social Media Manager: Amanda Barnett

Barnett is a junior majoring in public relations and social media with a minor in marketing, this is her third semester with the Talon. When asked about a fun fact that most people may not know about her, Barnett said,

“I used to go [to] the same church as Garth Brooks and he held me as a baby!”