Four Questions with Eagle Times Managing Editor Jordan Phelan

In the fall after graduation, Jordan Phelan landed a job as managing editor of the Eagle Times newspaper in Claremont, NH. The experience he gained in interviewing, editing, investigative reporting and photography, along with the mentorship he received from his journalism professors gave him the confidence to apply and the skills to succeed. Along with his involvement in multiple hands-on learning opportunities, Phelan had leadership roles in Student Senate, Student Programs and Leadership and Student and Family Orientation. He found a home for himself at RWU, both inside and outside of the academic programs. 

What have you been up to since graduation?

After college, I was looking for a reporter position. But I ended up applying to work at the Eagle Times, which is a daily newspaper in Claremont, New Hampshire. They were looking for a managing editor. The only reason I had the confidence to apply for it was because a lot of their requirements actually matched the experiences and skills that I gained at Roger Williams. So I sat down for an interview and one week later they determined that I was a good fit. As managing editor, I go out into the community to write stories, oversee our two reporters, edit, do photography, fact check, and communicate with the publisher.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I get to design and lay out a newspaper each day and that every day is different.  

What stands out to you about RWU’s journalism program?

What sets the RWU journalism program apart is having dedicated professors who really care about you and your future. They’re able to get you experiences you never thought were possible, like interviewing the gubernatorial candidates or attending different first amendment conferences throughout New England. They’ll provide you with all the tools you need to succeed, whether its covering a story for The Hawks’ Herald, or doing a semester-long investigative piece or finding a job. Some of my greatest mentors have been Associate Professor of Communication Paola Prado and former Director of Media and Public Relations Edward Fitzpatrick.

What’s something else you’d like to share about your RWU experience?

At my orientation, I was kind of shy to communicate or reach out to anyone in my orientation group but the advisors really helped me realize that this was an opportunity to get to know other people and get to know the institution. So I decided to spend all my summers as an orientation advisor and then my final summer as a student orientation coordinator.  As an orientation advisor you really develop a sense of community and family that outside of Roger Williams University, you rarely see. It’s a beautiful thing.