The Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University has received word that it has been granted a student chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the largest professional public relations organization in the world.
The student charter, known as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), serves as an endorsement of the strong curriculum in public relations and strategic communication, according to Dr. Theodore A. Avtgis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Ashland University.
Avtgis noted that this recognition requires close examination of the curriculum, faculty accomplishments and student achievements.
“This is a great accomplishment for Ashland University and the Department of Communication Studies,” Avtgis said. “This recognition serves as an affirmation that our programs, faculty and students are all working and creating quality curricula that will give our students the necessary skills to succeed in the public relations and strategic communication fields. Having this recognition on your resume significantly increases your credibility as it signals to potential employers that you are well prepared.”
Nell Cronin, president of the Ashland University chapter of PRSSA, states, “PRSSA offers so many opportunities for us college students. PRSSA offers internships, competitions, chapter opportunities, scholarships, leadership awards and even the chance for publications. It is a way to broaden our horizons and get our feet wet before graduation.”
PRSSA is made up of more than 11,000 students and advisers organized into 300 plus chapters in the United States. The organization extends to more than 21,000 public relations and communications professionals worldwide.
PRSSA was founded in November of 1967 at the PRSA Assembly in Philadelphia and its mission is “to serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities; and to serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.”
Ashland University senior Christina Miadich, a member of PRSSA, states, “Being a senior, I am grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious organization. I am excited for the opportunities that can come my way since I have joined PRSSA. I believe having this membership on my resume helped me get accepted into some of the top public relations graduate programs in the country.”
