There’s a new voice leading The Echo this year–one that’s both passionate and purposeful. Jose Ramos, a junior nursing major in Southern Nazarene University’s honors program with a minor in psychology, is stepping into the role of Editor-in-Chief with a bold vision and an even bigger heart.
“As Editor-in-Chief, my vision for The Echo is to serve authenticity and boldness,” Ramos shared. “I want to spread awareness of The Echo’s presence across campus and create an open, welcoming space where students feel empowered to share their passions, hobbies, and dreams.”
Ramos joined the staff as a freshman, encouraged by former Editor-in-Chief Emma Dilbeck. He quickly fell in love with journalism–and discovered a passion for photography along the way.
“I’ve always loved writing and meeting new people, so it felt like the perfect fit,” he said. “Photography now plays a part in almost every article I write—it’s something I truly can’t leave out.”
Leading a publication comes with its challenges, and Ramos is no stranger to the pressures of balancing multiple roles on campus. “One of the biggest challenges is definitely balancing all my responsibilities and making sure each one gets the time and energy it deserves—while still making space to live my life,” he said. “So this year, one of my biggest goals is to be more intentional with my time.”
At the heart of his work is a commitment to diversity, storytelling, and connection. Ramos is especially passionate about highlighting the student body through campus events and student spotlights. “I absolutely love the ‘Humans of SNU’ posts on our social media, and I’d love to create a spin-off through The Echo—complete with full photo shoots and in-depth interviews,” he expressed. “I think highlighting the voices within our community makes our campus feel more connected and alive.”
His plan: collaborating across campus–through podcasts, creative social media campaigns, and cross-departmental projects designed to bring fresh energy to the paper. Ramos hopes these efforts will draw in new voices and showcase SNU’s vibrant community.
He also aims to ensure the publication reflects the full spectrum of student experiences. “The best way to reflect the true voice and diversity of the student
body is to actively listen, seek out different perspectives, and create space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”
Outside of the newsroom, Ramos has his sights set on graduate school and hopes to work in psychiatric nursing. Between attending McNair conferences and building meaningful friendships, he’s determined to make the most of his time at SNU.
“I’m really excited to work with my assistant editor MaK, and our social media manager, Jay,” Ramos said. “We’re already good friends, and I know the dynamic and energy we bring individually will make working together not just productive, but genuinely fun and rewarding.”
That connection isn’t accidental—it’s something Ramos values deeply. For him, leadership is rooted in authentic relationships, starting with the people closest to him. Whether it’s spontaneous jam sessions belting out the Wicked soundtrack or late-night homework grinds, the trio shares a rhythm that blends creativity with camaraderie.
“When you already trust the people on your team, collaboration becomes second nature,” he explained. “We’re not just colleagues—we’re friends who support and challenge each other to grow.”
That chemistry, Ramos believes, will carry into every corner of The Echo, shaping a newspaper culture that is energetic, encouraging, and deeply human. With a strong team and shared sense of purpose, he’s confident that the stories they tell this year will echo across campus—not just in print, but in the hearts of those who read them.
Photos by: José Ramos