PRSSA takes on Tennessee

BY JAXSON HANSARD / Multimedia Journalist

On Oct. 12, Tarleton State University took a small group of PRSSA  to Tennessee for the PRSSA ICON conference. 

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a student internship group at Tarleton State University that provides opportunities for students with communication majors. 

According to the Tarleton website, “Through PRSSA, students will have access to mentors, internship listings, competitions, scholarships, conferences, awards, jobs, and leadership opportunities. PRSSA advocates rigorous academic standards for PR education, high ethical principles, and diversity in the profession. It also provides publications, news, and social media to keep members updated on industry trends.” 

President of PRSSA, Lauryn Hammond says there are several goals of PRSSA.

 “Professional development, Networking, Ethical standards, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and support,” Hammond said. 

“We went on this trip as part of the parent organization PRSA Public Relation Society of America and were granted funds through Associate Professor Dr. Benedict and Dr. Gearhart the commincation’s department head, along with help from the College of Liberal and Fine Arts.” Kaley Leatherwood the secretary and treasurer of PRSSA said. 

“ICON is an event that brings public relations and communication students and professionals from around the world together for professional development and networking,” Hammond said. “Attendees will get to hear from many industry professionals about their experience and best practices, have the opportunity to attend general sessions at the conference as well as some networking events.”

 “We went into the conference with an open mind and left with advice, a new network, recruitment ideas, and a new excitement for our chapter,” Alexa Guadian, PRSSA PR director said. 

This conference proved to be a great learning opportunity for Guadian as she got to meet someone in the sports communication space that she is directly interested in working towards. 

“I was so proud of myself for meeting ESPN’s Director of Communications, Amanda Brooks after her keynote because I am a Tarleton Sports Intern,” Guadian said . “I asked her for advice on how to make my personality stand out in a space with even larger personalities.” 

For more information on PRSSA reach out to Dr. Benedict [email protected]