Thu, January 15, 2026
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Sarah Hauer Named Editor of The Chicago Maroon

Chicago, IL - January 15th, 2026 - The University of Chicago's student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon, has announced Sarah Hauer as its new editor, marking a significant shift in leadership for the prominent student publication. Hauer, previously the editor of the Hinsdale Leader, a weekly newspaper serving Hinsdale and surrounding DuPage County communities, will officially assume her role starting in January 2026.

This appointment comes at a time of evolving challenges and opportunities for student journalism. While institutions like UChicago maintain a commitment to fostering student voices and providing valuable experience, newspapers must constantly adapt to changing media landscapes, shifting student engagement, and the digital age. Hauer's background in community journalism, emphasized by The Maroon itself, positions her well to navigate these complexities and bring a fresh perspective to the publication.

For the past five years (2021-2026), Hauer has led the Hinsdale Leader, a role that saw her responsible for all aspects of the newspaper's operations - from reporting and editing to design and distribution. The Leader focuses on hyperlocal news, covering everything from school board meetings and local government initiatives to community events and human-interest stories. This depth of experience covering a specific community provides Hauer with a unique skillset that is transferable to the University setting. She understands the intricacies of balancing diverse perspectives, maintaining journalistic integrity, and building trust with a readership - all crucial aspects of leading a student newspaper.

The selection process for The Maroon's editor is notoriously competitive, drawing applicants from across the University's diverse student body. According to a press release issued by The Maroon, Hauer's application distinguished itself within a strong pool of candidates. Current Editor-in-Chief Noah Pavsner highlighted the value of her experience, stating that Hauer's "extensive background in community journalism and her proven ability to lead a local news organization made her the ideal candidate to lead The Maroon." This endorsement underscores the importance The Maroon places on practical, hands-on experience when selecting its leadership.

While many might associate student newspapers primarily with campus-specific reporting - covering academic developments, student government elections, and campus events - their role extends far beyond that. They often serve as training grounds for aspiring journalists, providing a vital platform for young voices and fostering a culture of critical thinking and civic engagement. Under Hauer's leadership, The Maroon will likely explore ways to bridge the gap between the campus community and the broader city of Chicago, drawing on her experience covering hyperlocal issues and building strong community relationships.

Hauer expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I'm thrilled to join The Maroon team. I'm looking forward to working with the student journalists and covering the University of Chicago community." Her enthusiasm suggests a collaborative approach to leadership, prioritizing the development and empowerment of the student journalists who will be working alongside her.

This transition marks not only a change in leadership for The Chicago Maroon but also a recognition of the continued value of community journalism skills in the evolving media landscape. The University of Chicago's investment in Hauer signals a commitment to ensuring The Maroon remains a vital and dynamic voice within the university and the wider Chicago community. The coming months will be closely watched to see how Hauer's expertise shapes the direction of the newspaper and how she helps the student journalists hone their skills for future careers in journalism.


Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/illinois/hinsdale/hinsdale-leader-gets-university-chicago-role ]