January 21, 1999

UTNE MAGAZINE WELCOMES STAFF ADDITIONS

MINNEAPOLIS--The devoted but formerly overworked staff of Utne Magazine is thrilled to announce several new additions to their ranks.

Karen Olson, former managing editor at Colorado Review and Colorado State University's Center for Literary Publishing, was named assistant editor. Olson earned her MFA at Colorado State and helped launch Thin Air magazine at Northern Arizona University; her work has appeared in numerous literary journals. She is also a certified holistic health educator.

Jessica Coulter was named assistant art director. Formerly art director and graphic designer for Lands' End in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, she earned her BFA in graphic design from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is also a gourmet cook.

Chris Dodge was named librarian and now manages Utne Magazine's collection of 4,000 periodicals and 2,000 books. A 19-year veteran of the Hennepin County Library system, he previously edited and published a newsletter for the Minnesota Library Association Social Responsibilities Round Table. He is also a poet.

Nicole Duclos, was named editorial assistant. A former copyeditor at the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, she earned a BA, summa cum laude, in philosophy from the University of Minnesota and interned at Utne Magazine. She is also a dancer.

"We're excited about such an eclectic assortment of new colleagues," said Cathy Madison, who was named editor a year ago. "Their energy and backgrounds will help us maintain the edge we need in a challenging publishing environment."

Utne Magazine is the nation's leading digest of alternative ideas. Published by LENS Publishing Co., Inc., the bimonthly magazine has a paid circulation of 225,000 and has been nominated three times for the National Magazine Award for General Excellence. Cafe Utne (www.utne.com) is one of the nation’s most active online discussion communities.