University of Alabama at Birmingham: PRCA/PRSSA at UAB receives third Star Chapter of the Year Award
The Public Relations Student Society of America at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has received the 2022 Public Relations Society of America Star Chapter Award.
It is the third consecutive year the student-led chapter has been nationally recognized for its outstanding programs, relationships with members and community service.
“Our chapter is honored to receive this award, and special appreciation goes to seniors Sam Adams and Dylan Baggiano, who worked so hard on the chapter submission,” said Jacquelyn S. Shaia, J.D., Ph.D., associate professor and public relations program director in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Communication Studies. “This award is particularly meaningful because it recognizes not only the academic achievements of our students but the results of their very meaningful service in the community — a cornerstone of UAB’s values. This year, students developed and implemented successful public relations campaigns for Cornerstone Ranch, Fellowship House, Kids Club, Magic City Poetry Festival, South City Theater and Vinegar.”
PRCA/PRSSA at UAB is a valuable extension of the academic public relations program that provides students an opportunity to put their classroom learning into real-world practice. This year, the organization focused its programs on introducing the members to versatile public relations areas by hosting speakers from the field, providing networking opportunities, and professional development skills such as resume building, portfolio creation, enhancing job interview skills, proposing contracts to clients, designing graphics, using social media workshop efficiently and navigating internships for its members.
“The public relations program at UAB is small, and national recognition sends a strong message to our students that they can effectively compete and be successful in the workplace when they graduate,” Shaia said. “It is a true pleasure to work with these young professionals.”
PRSA has more than 30,000 members, represented by 110 chapters. PRSSA has more than 7,000 student members, representing more than 300 chapters in the United States.
PRSSA membership gives students opportunities for internships, competitions, scholarships, awards and leadership service. In addition, the organization connects students to thousands of public relations professionals and organizations for networking in the United States as well as globally.