Public relations students at UCA make connections, network and find community through the university’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter.
PRSSA is an organization dedicated to creating future PR professionals by fostering a rapport between students and seasoned professionals.
UCA’s chapter of PRSSA has one overarching goal when it comes to benefiting students — the ability to network with industry professionals.
Senior Jacie Lemons serves as vice president of UCA’s PRSSA chapter. She said there are many benefits for interested students.
“Students should join PRSSA because it’s a way to connect with teachers and people interested in the same career paths,” Lemons said. “Having a set time once a month to just dive deeper into learning about our chosen profession is a great way to become more involved and stand out among peers.”
Serving on the executive board for PRSSA comes with a handful of responsibilities.
“My main responsibility is to assist the president, Gabby Stogsdill, and professor Keli Jacobi, our adviser, with whatever they need. Together we create the calendar for the upcoming year,” Lemons said. “I also am in charge of reserving our room for every meeting and contacting guest speakers for future meetings.”
Senior Gabby Stogsdill, president, said students can gain experience and insight through PRSSA.
“Students should join PRSSA to expand their network, learn about internships, gain experience in personal and professional branding and learn from upperclassmen with experience,” Stogsdill said.
Lecturer I of Public Relations and PRSSA adviser, Keli Jacobi, teaches a variety of PR classes in Win Thompson Hall, but she also wears the recruitment hat for PRSSA.
Lemons said she joined after having Jacobi in class.
“I got involved with PRSSA because of professor Jacobi. I had her as a professor during my sophomore year, and now I have her again,” she said. “She’s the reason I took on the role of vice president, inspiring me to get more involved with my major.”
Stogsdill said the group has big plans for October.
“Later this month, Oct. 13-16, we will be traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, for the annual ICON Conference to learn from PR professionals and expand our network.
“Students interested in this opportunity are encouraged to join our chapter and ask about how to get involved in this opportunity coming up very soon,” Stogsdill said.
For more information about PRSSA, follow them on Instagram @uca_PRSSA.
