The opportunity to study abroad isn’t something that all Wabash men get to experience, but students who have spent an entire semester learning on another continent know that while it is the experience of a lifetime, it can be tough getting back into the high-intensity environment of Wabash. For Elijah Wetzel ’27, who has spent this semester studying at The University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland, his new role as the next Editor-in-Chief of The Bachelor shows that he is not taking the easy road coming back to Wabash.

Wetzel has been a part of The Bachelor for the entirety of his Wabash journey – he initially started as a staff writer before moving his way up to co-edit the Features section alongside his pledge brother Ty Murphy ’27. He also gained some experience as the News Editor before he traveled across the pond for his study abroad experience.

“The Bachelor has been one of the most impactful aspects of my time at Wabash,” said Wetzel. “I’ve been very lucky to have learned from a lot of capable and talented editors, but also some exceptional leaders. Having consistent guidance and mentorship from the editors in the class of 2025 and the current leadership of the paper has been invaluable.”

But Wetzel has not spent all of his time focused on the student voice of Wabash College. Earlier this semester, Wetzel was elected the president of the Alpha Kappa Zeta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. He is also involved with the Public Health Organization, the Pre-Law Society and has previously served in the Student Senate. Wetzel also works on-campus in the registrar’s office and as a consultant in the Writing Center.

“Wetzel is a fearless leader,” said fellow brother of Lambda Chi Alpha Zach Geleott ’27. “He always goes above and beyond. If he has to write two articles a week, he would take care of it. Within the house, he has solidified himself as a leader from freshman year – he’s not afraid to speak his mind.”

As a religion major and political science and global health double minor, Wetzel currently plans to pursue law school following his time at Wabash. Following law school, Wetzel is also interested in pursuing religion or public health at graduate school.

“Elijah is a delightful person to work with,” said Associate Professor of Political Science and Pre-Law Advisor Scott Himsel ’85. “I’m blessed with having many very talented students – that said, Elijah stands out as a very strong writer about controversial issues in the law and involving poverty. He’s energetic, eager to participate and when he does, he helps the class move forward.”

Wetzel, as the next custodian of The Bachelor, will have his work cut out for him as he hopes to continue the success of the newspaper. Notably, The Bachelor has been named back-to-back-to-back Division III Newspaper of the Year by the Indiana Collegiate Press Association (ICPA), something that has never been accomplished in the history of the paper. The pressure will be on to continue this success in the world of student journalism in the state of Indiana.

“The standard of success that has been set the last three years is our benchmark,” said Wetzel. “I feel the pressure to set our team up to continue the high level of reporting that our readers are used to – I would love to make our three-peat a four-peat, that’s the goal. But success in ICPAs ultimately comes from creating the best issue we can every week, so in that sense it should be business as usual from one week to the next.”

With plenty on his plate for the start of 2026, Wetzel will need to ensure prudent planning and acclimation back into The Bachelor, particularly as he begins to navigate the switch away from Type G electrical outlets. He has a clear plan for success that is focused on building off of the success that The Bachelor has experienced in years past.

“I’ve been able to write for the student newspaper in Edinburgh and have written a fair amount about my study abroad experience, so sliding back into writing and editing won’t be difficult,” said Wetzel. “But I will have to recalibrate on how to construct an issue in our software and lead the team. I’m lucky to have Nathan Ellenberger ’26 continuing as the Managing Editor – he’s fantastic at what he does and will be a big help to me this upcoming spring. I’m excited to get back to work and continue the tradition of excellence we have within the office of The Bachelor.”

As Wetzel prepares to take the reins of The Bachelor, his plans for continued excellence will make a lasting impact on the Wabash community. The Bachelor stands as an established and credible cornerstone between the intersection of free press and student involvement on campus.

“It’s important for the community of alumni, administration, students and faculty to have trust in the newspaper,” said Himsel. “Elijah is the sort of person that will allow us to continue to repose trust in The Bachelor.