The Missouri Miner: Editors-in-Chief: Gene S. Martin

Research Project: 100 years of
The Missouri Miner 1915-2015

Est'd. 1915, Fred Grotts, Founder

Gene S. Martin
EIC 1942

This was the response to a questionnaire mailed in April of 2007. -RB

RB: From when to when were you Editor-in-Chief of the Missouri Miner? Who preceded and followed you in that position? Share your memories of these individuals.

GM: I was Editor in 1942. Kenneth Vaughan preceded me, but he was only Editor for a short time as his grades weren't adequate. Don't remember who was Editor in 1941-42, but Fred Finley was Editor in I think 1940-41.

RB: What other positions did you hold on the Missouri Miner staff? How were elections held? How did you become involved with the newspaper?

GM: Staff writer. I don't remember elections. I think we might have been appointed.

RB: What were the biggest challenges you faced as Editor-in-Chief of the Missouri Miner?

GM: The war WWII had started and everyone knew they were going in the service. Although not very notable, we were known for our off-color jokes. Most were taken from the "Lamar (MO) Democrat," a daily in my hometown of Lamar, MO. The Editor was Arthur Dull, who was know throughout the US for his very candid news stories which left nothing out, including often very embarrassing stories about local people.

RB: What effect did major national events (i.e. wars, assassinations, etc.) have on the Missouri Miner's reporting? How did you handle these events?

GM: If I remember right, we were a local paper about happenings on campus and in Rolla & didn't report much of any national news.

RB: How significant a role do you feel you and the Missouri Miner played in campus life during your tenure as Editor-in-Chief?

GM: The Miner at that time was more of local "chat" type newspaper rather than trying to be political or shaping events.

RB: How would you describe your management style?

GM: Very relaxed.

RB: Describe your relationship with the administration at MSM/UMR.

GM: As near as I can remember OK. I don't remember catching much flak for our risque jokes.

RB: Did any group (Fraternity, Administration, Student Council, etc.) have what you felt to be undue influence over decisions affecting the newspaper? If so, which groups had this influence and what decisions did they affect?

GM: No.

RB: Summarize your thoughts and feelings about your time as Editor-in-Chief of the Missouri Miner.

GM: It was a very enjoyable & relaxed time. I think the fact that we all knew we were going in the Armed Forces played a role in our relaxed editorship.