Meet the Staff

Carson Weaver

Editor-in-Chief

Carson Weaver is the Editor in Chief of The The University Star and has been with the organization since October 2021. Carson began his time at The Star as a sports reporter, where he covered games and wrote stories about Texas State athletics. He then became the sports editor in April 2022, where he was responsible for managing a staff of over ten sports reporters and editing content while still covering games and stories. In April 2023, Carson was named the Editor in Chief ofThe University Star. Now, he’s responsible for the editorial direction of the organization and managing his team of student editors. When Carson is not in the newsroom, he can be found watching baseball, playing Immaculate Grid or shredding one of his many guitars.

Nichaela Shaheen

Managing Editor

Nichaela Shaheen is the managing editor at The University Star and has been with The Star since May 2022. She transferred to Texas State University from Del Mar College where she was the Editor in Chief of The Foghorn while earning her associate degree in public relations and advertising. She joined The Star as a news contributor and worked her way to news editor where she was responsible for covering developing stories and giving rise to events that encapsulate the heartbeat of San Marcos and Texas State University. In this role of managing editor, she oversees the editorial process and works closely with staff members and editors. Nichaela is a current mass communications and business administration senior. When she is not editing stories or in the newsroom, Nichaela can be found enjoying a cup of black coffee, painting or exploring the Texas Hill Country.

Sarah Manning

Design Editor

Sarah Manning is the design editor of The University Star and has been with the organization since fall of 2022. As the design editor, Sarah manages all illustrators, is in charge of keeping the design consistent throughout the paper, designing the front page and sending the paper to Printing Herald to be printed every Tuesday. Prior to becoming editor, Sarah was a page designer, part time illustrator, multimedia reporter, and dabbled in a few life and arts stories. Sarah is currently a sophomore majoring in communication design. When not in the newsroom, you will find her shopping and collecting dolls (Monster High is her favorite), taking photos, or in her room fighting against Adobe Illustrator.

Zaria Jackson

Engagement Editor

Zaria Jackson is the engagement editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since the fall of 2020. As engagement editor, Zaria oversees the all engagement specialist and manages the organization’s social media platforms as well as the weekly newsletter. Prior to becoming editor, Zaria was an engagement specialist since her freshman year of college. Zaria is currently a senior studying advertising with a concentration in digital media and minoring in fashion merchandising. When not in the newsroom, you will find her at home baking new recipes and binge-watching tv.

Haley Velasco

Life & Arts Editor

Haley Velasco is the life and arts editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since spring 2022. As the life and arts editor, Haley leads the life and arts section by editing and ensuring all life and arts staff are covering stories filled with community, talent and creativity. Prior to becoming editor, Haley was a contributor for life and arts and worked as the assistant life and arts editor. Haley is currently a senior majoring in journalism. When Haley is not in the newsroom, you can find her playing Sims, eating at Chuy’s or FaceTiming her mom.

Sri Naga Sri Govvala

Digital Product Developer

Sri Naga Sri Govvala has been with The University Star since the spring of 2023 as the digital product developer. Sri is in her first year of graduate studies majoring in Computer Science and previously majored in Information Technology at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. In her role as the Digital Product Developer, Sri collaborates with the Editorial board to design, identify, and resolve issues across The Star’s website and app, ensuring a seamless user experience. Before joining The Star, she spent a rewarding chapter of her career as a network engineer at Pyramid IT Solutions. For fun, sri loves hiking, traveling with friends, or cooking.

Abigail Taylor

Public and Internal Relations Director

Abigail Taylor is the public relations director at The University Star and has been with the organization since August 2022. As public relations director, Abigail orchestrates philanthropic, social, and organizational events as well as write press releases. Before becoming the public relations director, Abigail was a public relations intern and then the public relations assistant director. Abigail is currently a senior majoring in public relations and minoring in business administration. In her spare time, she likes to play pickle ball, go to the river, and watch movies.

Blake Leschber

News Editor

Blake Leschber is the news editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since fall 2022. As news editor, Blake oversees the news section and ensures that articles are being covered timely and accurately. Before becoming the news editor, Blake worked as the assistant news editor, news reporter and news contributor. Blake has a passion for timely stories that impact the community and breaking news. Blake is currently a sophomore majoring in public relations and minoring in business administration. When not in the newsroom, you can find him taking walks, at a concert or watching Netflix.

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.

David Cuevas

Sports Editor

David Cuevas is the sports editor at The University Star and has been with the organization since the fall of 2022. As sports editor, David 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, David worked as the assistant sports editor, sports reporter and sports contributor and is also a contributor for the opinions section. David is a lifelong sports fan who enjoys watching, discussing and writing about sports. David is currently a senior majoring in journalism. When not in the newsroom, you can find him watching his favorite sports teams, playing video games or hanging out with his friends and dog.