Sandra D. Long, (BS ‘74) a Philadelphia Inquirer deputy managing editor, was appointed to one of two managing editor positions, former Merrill College Board of Visitors member and Inquirer Editor Bill Marimow announced Aug. 13. She will jointly rank as the No. 2 editor in the newsroom and be responsible for production-related activities and become the newsroom liaison with business operations. Long is the first African-American woman in the position and has been the highest-ranking African-American woman in the newsroom for some time now.

A recipient of multiple journalism awards, Long’s well-regarded work at The Philadelphia Inquirer began in January 1984 when she worked as a reporter. Her career continually grew as she became the Neighbors editor, Deputy Pennsylvania Editor, Assistant Managing Editor for Finance and Administration, and Associate Managing Editor for Operations and Deputy Managing Editor/News Operations. Prior to joining the paper she worked for the Philadelphia Bulletin and Wilmington, De. News Journal.

In addition to her new managing editor duties she also authors her blog “In Sandra’s Shoes” on The Inquirer’s Web Site where she describes her fight with breast cancer.

She is a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists, a member of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and of the National Association of Minority Media Executives.