The Publications Council selected Matthew Piper, current Chronicle opinion editor, as editor in chief for the 2007-2008 school year.

He is a senior pursuing a degree in history.

Piper began working at The Chronicle in Nov. 2004 as a sports writer and was promoted to opinion editor before the summer of 2006. He has also worked as the online editor since December of last year.

“The Chronicle has given me the opportunity to grow as a journalist, and I want to help facilitate the same progress in others,” Piper said.

Piper said the paper is a fantastic resource for people at the U and that he feels proud to be a part of it.

“We’ll continue to do our best to find ways to serve our readers’ interests,” he said.

Piper was chosen for the position over three other applicants: Eric Geerlings, current Chronicle art director; Dustin Gardiner, current Chronicle assistant news editor; and Katie Trieu, a former Chronicle production manager.

“The council was lucky to have four highly qualified candidates to select among?in the end, we determined that (Piper) was the most strongly qualified candidate,” said Thad Hall, chairman of the Publications Council.

“The competition was fierce; I have a lot of respect for the other candidates and I look forward to hopefully working with them all next year,” Piper said.

Hall also said the council hopes the other candidates continue to work for The Chronicle in some capacity. “Many of the other candidates could also do well (as editor in chief) in the future if they decide to (apply at a later time),” Hall said.

Piper’s tenure will begin officially Summer Semester of 2007.