Texas PRSSA

With a new executive board, a freshly launched website and a roster of exciting networking opportunities, UT PRSSA is all dressed up and ready to go.

UT-Austin has one of the oldest and largest chapters of Public Relations Student Society of America in the nation, named after legendary public-relations professor Alan Scott. With motivated new officers, UT PRSSA has set an exciting course for the new academic year.

“I’m really impressed with our new leadership,” said Dave Junker, faculty advisor for PRSSA. “The new officers are visibly active and communicate well and often with their members and potential recruits.”

This year’s executive board includes President Rachael Sperling, Vice President of Professional Development Alysse Fisher, Vice President of Member Services Daviz Pham,

Public Relations Director Laci Theriot, Secretary Channing Alexander, Treasurer Hana Bae, Events Director Regina Flanigan and Webmaster Lauren Jones.

The chapter’s professional liaison is UT-Austin alumna Jennifer Sarver, a director at Burson-Marsteller.

One of the main initiatives of the year is to expand the mentorship program, which pairs students with local public relations professionals. Mentors advise students on topics like social media, resumes and interview preparation.

This year, UT PRSSA is also sending a number of students to the PRSSA National Conference in Orlando, Fla. where they will attend workshops and lectures, and network with other chapters and industry professionals.

Chapter members also plan to compete in the annual PRSSA National Bateman Competition, which requires students to develop and a public relations campaign for a nonprofit organization. The chapter is also working with a national brand on a promotional campaign.

In addition to these special activities, the chapter is hosting some great guest speakers at its bi-weekly meetings. More than 100 students turned out for the first speaker, Jennifer Sarver, who works as chief of staff to Burson-Marsteller Global Vice Chair Karen Hughes. She encouraged students to get involved on campus, work for an agency, stay connected and write as much as possible.

“We are overwhelmed by the response of new members this year,” said new president Rachel Sperling. “We are ecstatic to see so many students interested in our organization,”

PRSSA is a national organization for college students interested in public relations to gain experience and network with other students and industry professionals. The Alan Scott chapter at The University of Texas at Austin was one of the first chapters established nationally and was named for Dr. Alan Scott, who taught public relations students at UT for more than 30 years.

For more information about UT PRSSA, see the new website at utprssa.com or email texasprssa@gmail.com.