A 25-year veteran of newspapers and professor of journalism at Washington State University will be the Bismarck Tribune's new editor.

Monday morning, John Irby, 57, officially accepted the position as head of the Bismarck Tribune's newsroom.

"I'm very excited about (the new position),"Irby said. "It's going to be a lot of fun. I was impressed with the newspaper and the community while I was there."

Irby will finish out his summer school obligations with the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University, where he serves as an associate professor.

During his eight years at the university, he also served as the journalism degree program coordinator and former associate director of undergraduate studies for the school of communication.

Prior to that, Irby racked up more than 25 years of experience in the journalism industry, which included at least six positions in an editor's capacity.

And that experience will be invaluable, said Brian Kroshus, publisher of the Bismarck Tribune.

"He brings a great personality, a great set of values and a very impressive track record,"Kroshus said, adding that Irby also is incredibly community-oriented.

Indeed, Irby said he's always been very community-driven and emphasized that the Tribune should be interactive with its readers and community.

"I believe in community journalism, I believe in community newspapers,"he said. "They're an important part of the community, and Iwant to be a part of the community (in Bismarck), as well."

Irby grew up in California and worked in his home state, as well as Nevada, Montana, Indiana and Wisconsin. He's spent the last eight years at Washington State University, where he said he's been able to take a more critical look at journalism.

"I think it's made me a better journalist,"he said.

Irby is married to Lisa, and has four boys, ages 8, 11, 17 and 21. He replaces Dave Bundy, 39, who took a position as editor of the Suburban Journals of St. Louis. Bundy, whose last day at the Tribune was Feb. 21, had been editor of the Tribune for nearly six years.

Kroshus expects Irby's first day to be June 25, after Irby has satisfied his summer school contract at the university.

"We're going to take a good newspaper and make it better,"Irby said. "I'm not only going to listen to the people in the newsroom, and throughout the newspaper and other departments, I'm going to listen to the community."

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)