PRSSA off to a quick start and a busy year

The Alan Scott Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society has never been accused of a lack of ambition. But this year it's off to an especially fast start.

PRSSA's new leaders have announced a partnership with Cotton for a charitable campaign. They've recruited an unprecedented number of members to attend the PRSSA National Conference next month. And they've already hosted two guest speakers.

"I'm so excited for this semester with PRSSA and I can't wait to really delve into the semester," said Kristen Wiley, president of PRSSA for 2010-11.

Other new officers include Vice President Ashley Underwood, Event Coordinator Rachael Sperling, National Liaison Natalia East, Vice President of Professional Development Melissa Gomez, Vice President of Public Relations Petra Barraza and Vice President of Member Services Joanna Chou.

Since its inception in 1968, Public Relations Student Society of America has worked to strengthen ties between public relations professionals and students who plan to pursue careers in public relations. Members have access to databases for internships and entry-level positions nationwide. PRSSA also offers more than $20,000 in scholarships and awards annually.

The Cotton campaign is an effort to get people to donate their old blue jeans, which will be given to Habitat for Humanity to be used as insulation in homes. PRSSA is hoping to get Texas students to donate 500 blue jeans for the cause.

PRSSA students are also eager for the National Conference, the biggest annual meeting of public relations students in the United States. More than 1,000 students are expected for a weekend of networking, professional development, career preparation and leadership training.

"Kristen and the new officers have done a great job of recruiting members for the conference," said Dave Junker, PRSSA advisor and lecturer in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. "Last year, students who went found the experience really valuable."

Wiley said members will also benefit from the speakers scheduled for PRSSA's regular bi-weekly meetings held on campus.

"Our speakers are really interesting and I think members will really enjoy this year," she said.

Some of the topics include public relations practice areas, such as technology, consumer, non-profit, entertainment, agency-side and public affairs.

"Our goal with PRSSA is to help our members graduate as the most prepared job candidates," said Wiley. "We have some very different things planned, such as an alumni panel, hosting a brainstorm for real clients with an agency and an online portfolio workshop. All of these things will give students the insight needed to stand out after graduation."

For more information, visit http://texasprssa.com/ or UTPRSSA on Facebook.