Supporting the Future of the Profession

Founded in 1981 by Betsy Plank, APR, Fellow PRSA, the Champions for PRSSA, formerly called Friends of PRSSA, bring together those who have special, ongoing interest in PRSSA, its student members and public relations education.

Who Are the Champions?

Members of the Champions for PRSSA, all honored in the Champions Directory (PDF), include practitioners, educators, companies, agencies, PRSA Chapters and other organizations. Individuals who are not PRSA members are also welcome. The organization is co-chaired by Rochelle Ford, Ph.D., APR; Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA; Kent J. Landers, APR; and Mary Beth West, APR.

The Work of the Champions

The Champions sponsor several award programs that honor exceptional Chapters, Advisers and students.

• Teahan Awards – This program provides approximately $4,500 in awards to PRSSA Chapters for a variety of programs (newsletters, service initiatives, etc.), and to excellent Chapter Advisers and PRSA sponsor Chapters.
• Altschul Outstanding Internship Award – A student who has completed an outstanding internship receives $300 and the internship provider receives national recognition.
• Encourage Membership – Champions strongly encourage graduating PRSSA members to become PRSA Associate Members and co-sponsor, with PRSA, the first two years of professional membership for past members of the PRSSA National Committee.
• Mentors and Speakers – Champions often serve as speakers for various National- and Chapter-level student events. PRSSA Chapters are also invited to contact Champions for mentoring and counsel.

Benefits of Being a Champion

The greatest benefit of being a Champion is knowing you have helped support students, Chapters and advisers that are striving for excellence; however, Champions also receive the following benefits:

• Champions Newsletters – Sent from the co-chairs, the newsletters provide you news about Champion and PRSSA accomplishments.
• Conference Reception – At the PRSA International Conference, Champions are invited to meet with PRSSA leadership.

In addition, Champions benefit from the outstanding students who will soon become their PRSA colleagues. Demonstrating the student Society’s leadership promise are PRSSA alumni who now serve on the PRSA Board of Directors, national committees and as PRSA Chapter officers.

Become a Champion

Champions pay an annual membership fee of $50 (tax deductible) that matches PRSSA dues. To join, download the enrollment form (Word or PDF) and send payment to PRSSA Headquarters. You may submit your form electronically to the Manager of Student Programs.