Introductory Note from the Editor-in-Chief

Introductory Note from the Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief Alex Kagan describes his goals for The Spectator.

(Kagan standing in front of Lee Chapel, National Historic Landmark. | SOURCE: Author)

Dear Spectator readers,

I am humbled to take on the mantle of editor-in-chief from the esteemed Andrew Thompson, ’25. While I cannot hope to replace Drew, nor the other editor-in-chief I had the pleasure of working under, Kamron Spivey, ’24, I can hope to emulate their leadership and continue their work. 

I am tremendously grateful to all those who have helped me on my path to this position. I want to thank the Board of The Spectator for entrusting me with this position. I am incredibly fortunate to have parents who are always willing to support me in every endeavor I undertake. Most importantly, it is through divine providence that I am where I am today, for which I am eternally indebted. 

The Spectator inherited by our current editorial team is one with a proud tradition of journalistic excellence, and is committed to fulfilling our mission of defending W&L’s history and traditions. The past few years have seen challenges to the very core of what makes W&L the school we love — far beyond simply its name. 

We have received national and international attention, including from the UK Daily Mail and the Deseret News, for our coverage of the administration’s removal of the plaque to Traveller, Robert E. Lee’s Civil War horse. Throughout the university’s self-immolation over its history during the past several years, we have diligently documented each step. Despite our strong editorial stance on the issues, we have never replaced reporting with editorializing, allowing the conduct of those whose actions we oppose to speak for itself. 

The Spectator has become the most trusted source for campus news, far beyond the history of our school. During my time at The Spectator, we have covered the founding or return of several student groups, dozens of speakers and events, changes in school policy and the school’s plans. We have sat down with W&L administrators, professors, and student leaders, as well as leaders in higher education, including several college presidents. We have heard from elected officials, from those in the Lexington city government to a sitting United States senator.

Not only have we interviewed influential thought leaders, but through the generous support of our donors, we have also brought many figures to campus, including radio host and California gubernatorial nominee Larry Elder, commentator and filmmaker Matt Walsh, commentator Michael Knowles, The Wall Street Journal’s Gerard Baker and Jason Riley, and others. Be on the lookout for our upcoming speakers celebrating America’s 250th anniversary!

I owe The Spectator a great deal. It has professionally trained me in investigative journalism, opinion writing, and management. It has enabled me to travel across the country, to San Francisco, along with most of the Editorial Board, and to Washington, D.C. It has enabled me to cover exclusive, closed-door conferences and meetings with thought leaders from across our country.

My ultimate goal as editor is to share what makes The Spectator special with as many people as possible. I cordially invite everyone who loves our school, regardless of their background, whether you are a freshman or a graduate from decades past, to join us in accurately covering and vigorously defending our great institution. And to those current students who find our mission appealing or want an outlet to share thoughtful opinions of all kinds: join us.

Sincerely,

Alex Kagan, ’27

This article has been modified from how it appears in The Spectator’s latest print edition, “The Wide World Beyond Our Walls…”

The opinions expressed in this magazine are the authors’ own and do not reflect the official policy or position of The Spectator, or any students or other contributors associated with the magazine. It is the intention of The Spectator to promote student thought and civil discourse, and it is our hope to maintain that civility in all discussions.