By Norm Darais
On Jan. 1, Jeff McClellan became editor of Brigham Young Magazine. He replaced Jim Bell, who accepted a position at KBYU-TV and -FM as manager of creative and information
Jeff McClellan
services. Jeff had served as associate editor since July 1995 and was a magazine intern from 1993 to 1994. After graduating from BYU in communications in 1994, he received a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in 1995.
Along with his passion for the written word, Jeff brings an intriguing array of interests–everything from his recently adopted sailing hobby to his stubborn struggle to propagate indoor plants. (His new office, with a south-facing window, should help his green thumb along.)
Recent articles over Jeff’s byline include an in-depth analysis of the university’s ongoing capital campaign and an engaging look at the BYU dairy farm. His contributions as an intern included an amusing piece about the Brigham Young statue and the “funky chicken” for the After All page (November 1993, for those who squirrel away past issues).
As associate editor, Jeff was also instrumental in putting the magazine online.
Jim Bell leaves the magazine after 14 years as editor. He skillfully guided the publication through its transition from an alumni tabloid to a university magazine. Supervised by his watchful eye and careful pen, the magazine evolved into the product enjoyed today by nearly 160,000 readers. To use publishing vernacular, he put some 70 issues to bed, more
Jim Bell
than 4,000 pages.
Serving under three presidents, Jim developed a particularly close working relationship with the late President Rex E. Lee, which led to the collaborative book with President Lee and his wife, Janet Lee, A Marathon of Faith.
In addition to these changes, Debbie Johnson has joined the magazine staff as an associate designer, and John Snyder has stepped down from his role as photo editor, although his work will continue to appear in the magazine.
