The Samford University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) earned its parent organization’s September National Pacesetter Award for innovative chapter programming.

The honor specifically recognizes the chapter’s work as a founding member of the PRSSA Reimagined project alongside partners American University, Grand Valley State University, Kennesaw State University, University of Memphis, and West Texas A&M University. The project, launched this summer, provides nationally-relevant public relations programming virtually as an innovative approach to remote learning, networking and professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 PRSSA Reimagined members meet biweekly via Zoom, and participate in a series of virtual panel-style events hosted by the individual chapters. Since August, the group has presented panels on corporate social responsibility, PR/ journalism relations, professional life at advertising, marketing and public relations agencies, and diversity and inclusion. A Nov. 5 panel hosted by West Texas A&M University will feature discussion of how nonprofit organizations use social media.

“We are proud to be a part of an innovative programming initiative that provides access to national leaders in public relations to Samford PR students,” said Samford journalism and mass communication professor and group advisor Betsy Emmons.