Staff Biographies
Jocelyn Stone
Editor
After 15 years as a hair colorist and educator for local upscale salons, she has transitioned into freelance writing for area businesses as well as local media. Jocelyn is currently working towards her Professional Writing major at Metro State and is very excited to expand her writing and editing skills while working at the Metropolitan. When she isn’t writing or studying, Jocelyn loves reading a good book at home with her beagle, Plato, at her feet or, when time and money allow, traveling to different parts of the country or the world. (Contact)
Erica Shepard
Associate Editor
Erica is currently looking into First College to create a degree that focuses on what would traditionally be four separate majors: Psychology, Women’s Studies, Theater and Writing. Her ultimate goal is to help people overcome psychologically negative belief systems about themselves through theatrical role-play (psycho-drama), journaling and stress-relief methods. In her spare time, she sings with local indie-funk/rock band Plasmatic Brain Spasm, reads Tarot, creates psychedelic art and enjoys spending time exploring the world around her. (Contact)
Randi Johnson
Production Manager
Randi is currently enrolled in her junior year at Metropolitan State University and majoring in English. She earned an AAS degree in Graphic Design from MCTC in 2009 and has carried her passion for design over to The Metropolitan as first the business/advertising manager and now production manager. Randi also works in the IT department of Metropolitan State as a student worker and in her spare time, she plays flute for weddings and church services. She plans to pursue a career in publishing and book cover design. (Contact)
Patrick Loch
Copy Editor
Before settling in Minnesota, where he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard and accumulated an excess of credits at three major universities (before deciding on Metropolitan State to attain a degree in professional writing), Patrick spent many months pirating the waters of the Scandinavian coastline. He was stranded, a felon, after his rogue counterparts abandoned him after he disagreed with a few their vicious policies. When not following sports, Patrick can be found at home, brewing beer, or spending time with his beautiful girlfriend. (Contact)
Vickie Lee-Her
Online Editor
Vickie is currently a graduate student pursuing a degree in Technical Communications. She received her undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Minnesota and is currenlty working as a Coordinator for Macalester College. She enjoys a good book, a creative project, spending time outdoors, and traveling. (Contact)
Lauren Allen
Business/Ad Manager
(Contact)
Laura McCartan
Faculty Advisor
Laura McCartan is the faculty advisor to The Metropolitan. She has been at Metropolitan State University since Fall of 2008. A member of the Communication, Writing and the Arts department, Dr. McCartan teaches writing courses such as WRIT 101, WRIT 231, WRIT 331, and WRIT 371. She also teaches in the Gender Studies and MLS programs. (Contact)