Marisa Nuñez

Editor-in-Chief

Marisa Nuñez is the editor-in-chief at The University Star and has been with the organization since fall 2021. As editor-in-chief, Marisa overseas the editorial direction, content strategy and the look and feel of the organization. Before becoming editor-in-chief, Marisa previously worked as the life and arts editor, a life and arts reporter and contributor. Marisa is currently a senior majoring in electronic media and minoring in writing. When not in the newsroom, Marisa can be found baking, reading or hanging out with her cat Tia.

Blake Leschber

Managing Editor

Blake Leschber is the managing editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since fall 2022. As managing editor, Blake oversees the editorial process and works alongside all editors and directors to ensure all processes are running smoothly. Before becoming the managing editor, Blake previously worked as the news editor, a news reporter and contributor. Blake is currently a junior majoring in public relations and minoring in international studies. When not working in the newsroom, Blake can be seen at a concert, on a run or playing one of his many records.

Carson Rodgers

Creative Services Director

Jen Nguyen

Design Editor

Diego Medel

Engagement Editor

Diego Medel is the engagement editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since the spring of 2024. As engagement editor, Diego oversees the engagement specialists to ensure all social platforms are constantly updated while working to create unique content to highlight Texas State and Star community. Prior to becoming editor, Diego was voted engagement specialist of the year by his peers. Diego is currently a senior studying Digital Media innovations and minoring in Anthropology . When not in the newsroom, you will find him producing music or playing computer games.

Carlene Ottah

Life & Arts Editor

Carlene Ottah is the life and arts editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since the fall of 2022. As life and arts editor, she writes, assigns and edits stories about the Texas State and San Marcos communities. She began working at The Star as a life and arts contributor and would become a life and arts reporter in spring 2023. She also became a multimedia reporter. Carlene is a mass communication graduate starting in the fall of 2024. She majored in electronic media as an undergraduate student. When not in the newsroom, she can be found exploring the Texas State campus or watching a Netflix series.

Katherine Andrews

Public and Internal Relations Director

Katherine Andrews is the public and internal relations director at The University Star and has been with the organization since spring 2023. Prior to becoming director, she worked as a PIR specialist and PIR assistant director. As PIR director, Katherine manages a group to PIR specialists to create and staff a full calendar of events for The Star, including PR campaigns, internal socials and community outreach and engagement. Katherine is currently a senior majoring in mass communication. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, roller skating and spending time with friends.

Lucciana Choueiry

News Editor

Lucciana Choueiry is the news editor of The University Star, and has been a part of the news section since spring 2023. She leads a group of reporters to produce solid, timely coverage that is reflective of the paper’s Texas State and San Marcos audience. Lucciana was the recipient of Texas State’s 2023 Presidential Upper Level Scholarship and the Stuart Lang Scholarship from the Headliner’s Foundation. When she’s not writing or editing, Lucciana is probably having a fun night with her roommates, in search of the next good book or planning her next trip.

Rhian Davis

Opinion Editor

Rhian Davis is the opinions editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since the fall of 2022. As the opinions editor, Rhian manages the opinions staff and edits all content. Prior to becoming the editor, Rhian was a contributor for both sports and opinions and she was the assistant opinions editor. Rhian is currently a sophomore majoring in journalism. When Rhian is not in the newsroom, she enjoys playing her guitar, hanging out with friends and listening to Taylor Swift.

Jackson Kruse

Sports Editor

Jackson Kruse is the sports editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since the winter of 2023. As sports editor, Jackson administers the sports section by assigning and editing stories about Texas State sports and athletes and ensuring game coverage and other sports related news is covered promptly and accurately. Prior to becoming editor, Jackson worked as the assistant sports editor, sports reporter and sports contributor. Jackson is a lifelong sports fan who enjoys watching, discussing and writing about sports. Jackson is currently a senior majoring in Electronic Media. When not in the newsroom, you can find him watching his favorite sports teams, watching TV or hanging out with his girlfriend and dog.

Mandalyn Lewallen

Multimedia Editor

Mandalyn Lewallen is the multimedia editor of The University Star, and has been a part of the multimedia section since spring 2023. As multimedia editor, she manages the photography, audio and video aspects of The Star and ensures the visuals for all stories and sporting events are covered. When she’s not taking pictures or editing, Mandalyn is spending time with her roommates and cats, reading or playing the mandolin.