The story of The Oakland Post is one of resilience and adaptation. Founded in October 1959 as “The Oakland Observer,” OU’s student-run newspaper has been covering the campus community for over 65 years. It has gone by several names besides The Oakland Observer, including The Oakland Sail.

The Oakland Post, as it stands in its current form, is a voice for students — by students. 

The Oakland Post that I know and have come to love is made up by a talented team of editors, staff writers, graphic designers, savvy marketers, talented photographers and a boots-on-the-ground distribution team. 

When I joined The Post in June of 2023 — per a recommendation from OU Journalism and Media Studies full-time adjunct Garry Gilbert — I was frankly intimidated by the sheer amount of creative freedom I had as a staff writer. However, I was also amazed seeing the grand opportunity to improve and elevate my journalistic writing. 

I was an amateur journalist. I transferred from Kalamazoo College in the fall of 2022 after a failed attempt at a French and English degree. 

I was a beaten-down, 20 year-old college sophomore who still did not quite know who she wanted to be, or what path she would choose for a career. I went to Oakland as a last-chance effort to give college another shot.

And it worked out pretty well. 

Oakland gave me a purpose, it reinvigorated my passion for journalism through the wonderful instruction and tutelage of OU’s Journalism department. I feel like I could write fully and truly as myself. 

During my time as a staff writer and arts editor, I was a key contact point between OU’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) and The Oakland Post. From fall 2023 through this summer I reviewed student productions, concerts and dance performances and established rapport with the community. 

My first ever article in my first full semester at OU was a story covering the OU Art Gallery’s newest exhibit: “Remains, Remnants, Reliquaries.” It definitely was not my best work, but I slowly improved and got better at covering community art events on campus — as well as writing the occasional album review. 

I would like to thank Olivia Chiappelli for being my arts editor for the first year of my tenure at The Post, then taking on the responsibility of being Editor-in-Chief for the 2024-2025 school year. Your leadership inspired me to take on this role and continue the long-lasting legacy of The Oakland Post being a positive force in the community. 

My tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Oakland Post started in April of this year and will conclude at the end of the fall 2025 semester. My time here will be short in the grand scheme of things, but I hope to keep making connections with student leaders and voices at OU. 

So, if you have a question about The Oakland Post, or even if you want to get involved by contributing with us — reach me through [email protected]. 

I am looking forward to working with my wonderful staff and campus leaders in SAFAC and beyond. Let’s head towards a better, brighter future — together.

I hope everyone also has a great and safe rest of their summer! Let’s make some waves.

Best wishes,

-Chelsea Bossert

(Editor-in-Chief of The Oakland Post)