NILES — Leader Publications has welcomed a new reporter to its staff.

Beau Brockett Jr., 21, of Richmond, Michigan, recently relocated to Niles to work as a full-time reporter for Leader Publications and its affiliated products.

Brockett succeeds Kelsey Hammon, who is returning to her hometown in Colorado at the end of the month.

“I’ve always been someone who is deeply involved and really likes being part of a community,” Brockett said. “Journalism is a great way for me to do that. I can take my writing skills and put that into a community based setting.”

Brockett recently graduated from Albion College, where he studied English with an emphasis in creative writing. During his time at Albion, Brockett served a number of roles at the college newspaper, the Albion Pleiad. His senior year, he served as editor in chief.

During his time with the Pleiad, Brockett enjoyed writing about student worker rights and residence hall issues, as well as environmental issues.

He is excited to become acquainted with Niles through his work for the Niles Daily Star.

“Richmond is a small town — it’s about half the size of Niles — so for me this was a bigger city, but it also had a lot of that community based feel,” Brockett said. “I also really liked Niles because it seems to be on the upswing. I also like the proximity to the beaches, the dunes and South Bend. It’s a really nice place geographically.”

General manager Ambrosia Neldon said she was excited by Brockett’s enthusiasm and passion for community journalism.

“Beau’s charisma and professionalism stood out during the interview process,” Neldon said. “While we are sad to lose a valuable reporter in Kelsey, we are confident that Beau will adapt quickly to the Niles community and continue to serve our readers well.”

Brockett will serve as the primary reporter for the Niles Daily Star beginning May 27, when Hammon departs for Colorado.