Backgrounder

Public Relations Student Society of America was established at Stephen F. Austin State
University in February of 2014. The organization has since been expanding under the
guidance of advisors from multiple backgrounds.

The Organization
PRSSA is a professional organization that offers members many valuable opportunities
to excel. Everything from resume workshops to stellar guest speakers and even
occasional trips are offered. The organization exists to better those studying in the field
of public relations. However, it is open to all majors and anyone interested in furthering
their professional lives.

Why at SFA?
Public relations is a growing field in the world today. It is also a growing area of study at
SFA. Faculty advisor Phillip Madison helped determined students Regan Bates and
Sean Wirth start the chapter in hopes of drawing even more students to the field of
public relations. With a growing number of PR classes, the students knew they needed
something to establish PR among Radio/TV, Journalism and Advertising. PRSSA was
the answer they were looking for.

Chapter Progression
PRSSA at SFA started out very strongly, holding frequent meetings and attracting a
good number of Mass Media students. However, a few of the founding officers
graduated following the Spring 2014 semester. Fall 2014 showed improvement in some
areas, but the decline in others. More workshops were held along with a professional
guest speaker, but the chapter only met twice. Membership and meeting attendance
declined, but the officers were still able to plan a successful trip to PR Day, a PRSA
Houston event for young PR professionals. This event sparked both interest and
initiative in the Chapters current officers to take PRSSA at SFA to another level. Spring
2015 has brought an entire new board of officers who all have big plans for the
organization. Multiple workshops are planned for the spring, as well as a few guest
speakers and even a possible Houston trip to visit professional advisor Sally Ramsay at
Pierpont Communications. The main goals of the current officers are to increase
membership and establish a relationship with PRSA Houston.

Membership
Membership in PRSSA at SFA includes more than the workshops and guest speakers.
Members have the chance to build an extensive network among professionals and
students in the PR world. Internship and career opportunities are offered both locally
and across the nation. All members are also welcome to attend national PRSSA
conferences, assemblies, competitions, and workshops. Membership in PRSSA also
leads to discounted membership in PRSA once a student graduates. PRSA is the
parent organization with chapters of PR professionals from around the country.

PRSSA Advantage
It is an obvious advantage to be a member of a professional organization. Members
already have that connection with future employers, recruiters and the like. Simply
mentioning membership in PRSSA can put an applicant above so many competitors.

Transitioning to PRSA membership post-graduation can offer the same advantages and
can even lead members to job opportunities they otherwise would have never imagined.

Leadership
Responsibilities are spread among the positions, but the Executives work together on all
projects to build and maintain a strong leadership.

PRSSA at SFA officers hold their first meeting of 2015

Public Relations Student Society of America

Stephen F. Austin State University
Mass Communication - Boynton Building Rm 301
Box 13048 SFA Station - Nacogdoches TX 75962
Phone: 936.468.4001 - massmedia@sfasu.edu