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College of Fellows

The PRSA College of Fellows is the gold standard for public relations professionals. Induction into the College of Fellows is an emergence into new ways of serving our profession and our colleagues. Over 700 members have been inducted since its inception in 1989. Whether you have 20 plus years of professional experience or recently received your APR, continue the lifelong journey with the College of Fellows.

While it is an honor to be a member of the College, it is not an honorary organization. Rather, it is an active group of experienced professionals who enrich our profession by continuing to leave a significant footprint on the public relations body of knowledge. A rigorous application and peer review process culminates in inducting into membership these ‘best of the best.’

Selection to the College is considered the pinnacle of one’s career and the beginning of the professional’s next career phase, sharing expertise and knowledge as they continue to grow professionally and expand their careers.

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

Previous Inductees by Class

*Indicates that this Fellow is deceased

Class of 2024
Class of 2023
Class of 2022
Class of 2021
Class of 2020
Class of 2019
Class of 2018
Class of 2017
Class of 2016
Class of 2015
Class of 2014
Class of 2013
Class of 2012
Class of 2011
Class of 2010
Class of 2009
Class of 2008
Class of 2007
Class of 2006
Class of 2005
Class of 2004
Class of 2003
Class of 2002
Class of 2001
Class of 2000
Class of 1999
Class of 1998
Class of 1997
Class of 1996
Class of 1995
Class of 1994
Class of 1993
Class of 1992
Class of 1991
Class of 1990
Class of 1989

Jill Spiekerman Bonham

Missy Burchart

Vivian T. Dávila

Karen Garnik

Michael S. Gross

Kevin P. Kane

Eva Keiser

Michelle Olson

Susan van Barneveld

Melissa Vela-Williamson

Candee Wolf

 

Montrie Rucker Adams

Kelliann Amico

Jenny Barker

Jennifer Regen Bisbee

Carolyn Smith Casertano

Jacque Coe

Marcia DiStaso

Christie L. Goodman

David W. Honchul

Meredith Libbey

Joyce Lofstrom

Mark Mohammadpour

Lori M. Quiller

Raquel Rivera Torres

Frances A. Stephenson

Ann Marie Varga

Samantha Villegas

David Vossbrink

Brandon Wilson

 

Ellen Averill

Sandra R. Brodnicki

Jeremy C. Burton

Clark P. Dumont, M.S.

Jamie D. Floer

Kelly C. Gaggin, PhD

Lauren Green-Caldwell

J. Elyse Hammett

Wendy Shill Kurtz

Kena L. Lewis

Debra Peterson

Sally Ridenour

Tracy Schario

Bey-Ling Sha, Ph.D.

Pamela Thompson, MBA

Laura Moore Van Hoosier

Rebecca M. Villarreal

 

Jill Allread

Andrew Corner

Ellen Crane

Stephen Dupont

Alison L. Gaulden

Lisa F. Lochridge

Robert G. (Bob) McCullough

William D. Moak

Renea P. Morris

Lt. Col. Christian Patterson

Samuel James Morrey Sims

David H. Thompson

Michelle Von Tersch

 

Judith (Judy) Smith Asbury

Kathy Barbour

Pam Gutel Campbell

Kelly Jackson Davis

Ronele M. Dotson

Kim Marks Malone

Marlene S. Neill, Ph.D.

Jo Ann S. LeSage Nelson

Susan S. Pollard

Mike Porter, Ed.D

Christopher E. Vadnais

Mary Louise VanNatta

Clare L. Wade

Kevin M. Waetke

Brooke Worden

 

Stephen Michael Brown

Gail Dundas

Jennifer Young Dzwonar

Jessica M. Graham

Rebecca Huckaby

Kenneth Hagihara

Thomas J. Jollie

Paul G. Omodt

Echelle Jobe Rutschman

William Swanger

Janet E. Swiecichowski

 

Denise Blackburn-Gay

Katie Coates

Myra S. Cocca

Daniel R. Dunne

Jennifer Lane Grizzle

Suzanne Hartman

Mark W. McClennan

Timothy S. Penning, Ph.D.

Philip Poole

Stacy A. Smith

Brian S. Terrett

 

Loring Barnes

Joseph A. Brennan

Dotti Gallagher

Kevin Gaydosh

Janelle Guthrie

David Hakensen

Barbara Paynter

Sonja Popp-Stahly

Nancy J. Sterling

Kaye D. Sweetser

James W. (J.W.) Arnold

W. Gregory Bailey

Kay Barkin

Kristie Byrum

Mary J. Clark

Melissa K. Clark

Dr. Deborah A. Davis

Catherine S. Dunkin

Michelle J. Egan

Aaron Ellis

Gayle Lynn Falkenthal

Robert T. Hastings

Mary T. Henige

Sherry Kast

Jangyul Robert Kim

Mitchell E. Marovitz

Jeri Matheney

Margaret C. Ritsch

Robert F. Schultz

Kristine M. Simoes

Jaron M. Terry

Ana Toro, APR

Larry M. Weiner

 

Lauren F. Brookey

E. Ronald Culp

Rosanna M. Fiske

Checky Herrington

Barbara Kerr

Lori L. Marble

Michael L. McDougall

W. Patrick McSweeney

Paula L. Pedene

Michael A. Pflughoeft

David L. Remund, Ph.D.

Sara Spaulding

Charles R. Suits

Susan Balcom Walton

Judy DeRango Wicks

Gregory J. Zimprich

Anita Brightman

Douglas Cannon

Fred Cook

Amy Coward

Sandra Duhé

Geri Evans

Michele Ewing

William Gay

Laura Hammel

Suzanne Holroyd

Rose McKinney

Christopher Payne

Robert Sheldon

Brenda Smith

Olga Mayoral-Wilson

Kelly Womer

 

Kristie Aylett

Vicki Bagwell*

Brook DeWalt

Kathleen Donohue Rennie

Mark Dvorak

Mary Eaddy

Janet Hart

Susan Hart

Betsy Hays

William Jasso

Chris Lynch

Chad Perry

Douglas Spong

Gigi Westerman

 

Jill R. Alexander

Barbara A. Burfeind

Dianne Danowski Smith

Karen Mess Frashier

Barbara S. Hyman

Raymond L. Kotcher

John Charles Mitchell

Gail E. Rymer

Deborah A. Silverman

Linda L. Staley

Michele A. Swaner

Philip Tate

Tom M. Unger

Julie Ann Vincent

Frederic L. Whiting*

Steven C. Zenofsky

 

Dana Birkes

Chris Bozman

Michael Cherenson

Joe Gollehon

Beth Hallisy

Janet Kacskos

Irene Maslowski

Melinda Morgan Kartsonis

Ellyn Pollack

 

Sydney Ayers

Jack Berkman

Jacqueline Clark

Jane Dvorak

Julie Fix

John Forde, Ph.D.

Dennis Gaschen

Amiso George, Ph.D.

Jodi Horton

Jeffrey Julin

Fran Onofrio

Judy Parker

Susan Whyte Simon

Elizabeth Toth, Ph.D.

 

Richard Batyko

John Deveney, ABC

Anne Dubois, CPRC

Lynne Timpani Friedmann

Allen Kirk Hazlett

Margaret Ann Hennen

Stephen Johnstone*

Paul Kincaid

Nance Larsen

Diane Gage Lofgren*

Sandra Longcrier

 

Ann R. Carden*

Nora Carr*

Ray A. Crockett*

Anthony D’Angelo

Jeanette Drake, Ph.D.

Tom Gable

Alan L. Gaudynski

Mary Graybill

Steve Iseman, Ph.D.

Erik C.A. Johnson

Ellen A. Liston

Mickey G. Nall

Lea-Anne O’Hare Germinder

Elizabeth A. Pecsi

Shelli A. Ryan

Robert S. Saline

B. Kathleen Skipper

Helen M. Sullivan

Marisa Vallbona

 

Joan Gladstone

David R. Grossman, ABC

Scott Hanson

Bruce K. Hetrick

M. Larry Litwin

Janet Oppenheimer

Bonnie Parnell Riechert, Ph.D.

Margalit Toledano, Ph.D.

Barbara Jeanne Whitman

 

Henry J. Amann Jr.

Thomas L. Amberg

Lynn D. Appelbaum

Jimmy Martin Autry, CCC

Susan G. Barnes

Alan R. Freitag, Ph.D

Donald L. Ferguson

Del Galloway

Kathryn D. Hubbell

Donald P. Kirchoffner*

James A. McClure

Gary D. McCormick

Robin Schell

Diane Slaughter, CAE

Stacey Smith

Ira W. Yellen

 

Bruce T. Batten

Reed B. Byrum*

Myra J. Borshoff Cook

Suzanne Sparks FitzGerald, Ph.D.

Judy Ganulin

Al Golin

Cary A. Greenwood

Vincent Hazleton, Ph.D.

Roland H. King

William M. Lawrence

Blake D. Lewis, III

John R. Lyday

Debbie A. Mason

John J. Mead, CAE*

Merrie Elyn Meyers-Kershaw

John J. Moscatelli

Ronald Owens

Robert C. Ross

Carol A. Scott

David L. Shank

Martha W. Steger

Frank Walsh

Barbara W. Wellnitz

Mara Woloshin

Glynn A. Young

Edward Albanesi

David Bressen*

Jeffrey S. Douglas

Mary Dulle

Dr. Carol Hackley

Hatti Hamlin

Dr. Julie Henderson

Thomas Hoog

Katherine Hutt

Dan Millar

Elise Mitchell

Liz Oliphant

Captain Robert Pritchard

Deborah Radman

Deborah Saline

Dr. Shirley Serini

Alison Sneider

Robert Stone*

Joette Storm

Frederick Bagg

Gail Baker, Ph.D.

Mary Deming Barber

Michael Furtney

Gene Hall

Sandra Knoesel

Devere Logan

Donald Miles

Elaine Nathanson

Mary Phelan

Robert Ristino, Ph.D.

Laurie Sherman

Donna Stein

Joseph Trahan, III, Ph.D.

J. Lindsey Wolf*

Nancy Wood

D. Sean Brickell*

Marleen C. Burford

John R. (Rick) Fischer, Ph.D.

Jim Haynes

Howard Penn Hudson*

Stanton H. Hudson, Jr.

Gary McKillips

Roberta Wong Murrary

Robert J. Oltmanns

Honey Rand, Ph.D.

Kelly Rossman-McKinney*

Kenneth G. Trester

Steve Turnbo*

Kenneth G. Ulrich

Tom Vitelli

Nancy M. Wiser

Carolyn Bobo

Marty Campanello*

Jeffrey R. Caponigro

Karen L. Cedzo

Dr. Barbara J. DeSanto

Ofield Dukes*

Salvatore J. Giammo

John E. Guiniven

Louise L. Hayman

Ralph T. Kam

Aileen Katcher

Leslie Lamkin

Luis W. Morales

Eric M. Morgenstern

Robert J. O’Gara

Joseph P. Rowson*

Robert A. Schenkein

Robert Stack

J. Donald Turk

Linda P. Walton

Charles A. Wood

Karen F. Buchsbaum

Roger D. Buehrer

Gigi de Mier*

R. John DeSanto

Thomas E. Eppes

Vivian M. Hamilton

Charles W. Kenworthey*

Debra A. Miller

Robin B. Perrin*

Cheryl Procter-Rogers

Rhoda Weiss

Philip C. Wescott*

Diane Witmer

Don Bates

Edward M. Block

Carol A. Bodensteiner

Robert D. Frause

T. Michael Jackson

Steven L. Lubetkin

John E. Milkereit

John Paluszek

Scott Shirai

Posie Lee Starkey*

Judy O. Williams

W. Randolph Baker

Dr. Michael E. Bishop

Gerald E. Buldak

Gerard F. Corbett

W. Thomas Duke*

Ellen Weaver Hartman

Mitchell Head

Michael L. Herman*

Lowell F. Ludford

Kenneth Makovsky

Pender M. McCarter

Patrick F. McGee

Edward J. Menninger

Ronald T. Sconyers

Kenneth P. Service

Jana V. Stone

Dr. Donn J. Tilson

Sherry Treco-Jones

Barry Wanger

William Wendling*

John W. Wiater

Laurie J. Wilson

Cathryn Gibbs Harris

Kay Herring*

James G. Lubetkin

Gary A. Myers

Deanna K.W. Pelfrey

Philip G. Ryan

Lynne M. Sallot, Ph.D.

Thomas A. Schick

Frank R. Stansberry

Joseph A. Vecchione, CLU*

Catherine B. Ahles

Sue A. Brush

William R. Cumerford, Ph.D.*

David R. Dunnigan

Richard L. Harmon*

George L. Johnson

Kathleen S. Kelly, Ph.D.*

Dennis B. McGrath*

D. Gayle McNutt

George W. Miraben

Frederick W. Morgan

Bruce Lloyd Olsen

Richard F. Pender, Ph.D.

J.D. Rayburn, II*

Mack D. Secord

Robert K. Sells*

William E. Sledzik

James J. Wallace

Linda H. Walter*

Kathleen Ladd Ward*

Judith Williams

Richard E. Wilmot*

David M. Eisenstadt

David M. Grant

Dr. Kirk E. Hallahan

Thomas A. Harrison

Frances M. Minakowski

Joseph T. Nolan*

Sunshine Janda Overkamp

Cynthia I. Pharr-Lee

Jack Pyle

Richard B. Ridgway

Hugh A. Smith*

Nina Streitfeld

Samuel L. Waltz, Jr.

Anne R. Warner

Harland W. Warner*

Richard K. Arnold*

Thomas A. Bartikoski*

Donald W. Braman*

Donald C. Cannalte*

Louis Capozzi

James M. Caudill

Sandra D. Clary

John R. Cook

Mark Curtis*

Diane G. Davis*

Bob Dorf

James B. Ellis*

Robert W. Hefty*

Rene A. Henry

Theodore Hutchcroft

Joann E. Killeen

David Kirk

Donald M. Levin

Craig T. Miyamoto*

Erik V. Peterson

Judith Turner Phair

Daniel C. Pinger*

Stephen D. Pisinski*

J. Thomas Poling*

Skip Ragland

Nat Read

Neil T. Regan*

Don G. Reichardt

Ewald A. Richter*

Rosalee A. Roberts

William C. Rolle, Jr.

Thomas C. Sanger

Jerome H. Schmelzer

Karl J. Skutski

Jerry L. Sloan*

Ronald D. Solberg

Larry R. Werner*

Neil M. Alperstein, Ph.D.

Rendall P. Ayers*

Lee W. Baker*

Howard M. Blankman

James H. Bradley*

Joan L. Capelin

John J. Daly, Jr.*

J.B. Dixson

Raymond B. Durazo

Donald P. Durocher*

Joe S. Epley*

Mountfort A. Euston

William Robert Faith, Ph.D.

Paul Fullmer*

Felton H. Gordon*

Carole M. Gorney

R. Danner Graves*

Jack J. Heeger*

Sandra M. Hermanoff

Richard E. Hodges, Jr.*

Patricia E. Howlett*

Ned S. Hubbell*

Frances A. Hunter

Gwinavere A. Johnston*

L. James Lovejoy*

James E. Lukaszewski

Reynold W. Malmer

Elizabeth M. Martin

James T. Maunders

Broun H. Mayall*

John P. McGill

Arthur P. Merrick

Nann S. Miller

Wesley M. Pattillo*

A. Bruce Pozzi

Diane B. Pucko

Claude Ramsey

Ronald E. Rhody

Jay Rockey*

A. Lee Rogers*

James J. Roop*

Rolf C. Rudestam

Carl H. Schrank

Steven V. Seekins

Art Stevens

Thomas K. Stewart*

David C. Swanston*

David J. Therkelsen

Park M. Trammell, Jr.

Patricia A. Trubow

Stanley L. Ulchaker*

John David Williams*

Frederick A. Woodress*

Charles H. Zeanah*

William C. Adams*

B. Richard Berg, Ph.D.

Ferne G. Bonomi, ASPR

Adri G. Boudewyn

A. Brown-Olmstead

Alvin R. Busse

John P. (Jack) Casey*

R.G. Charlton, ABC

Yung-Kai Chung

Richard Jay Coyle

Aaron D. Cushman*

H.J. (Jerry) Dalton, Jr.*

Clifford Dektar*

William M. Dietrick

Paul A. Dowd

M. Robert Ferber

Robert H. Gardner*

Harriet C. Gonzalez

Edward Gottlieb*

John L. Gregory

Charlene H. Hillman*

Carol L. Hills, APR*

P.H. Hollister, CPRC

E. Roxie Howlett

Ruth B. Kassewitz

Elaine Falk Katz, Ed.D.*

William J. Koch

Patricia W. Leslie, Ph.D.

Kathleen Larey Lewton

Warren A. Logelin*

Frank X. Long*

Gerald Lundy*

Bruce G. MacDonald

Gordon D. MacKay, CLU*

Gene G. McCoy*

James E. McKee, Jr.*

Robert L. Mead

Eugene Miller

James M. Montgomery

Richard M. Newman

Wallace Nicoll*

Wellington F. Osterloh*

Jeannette E. Paladino

Pat Penney*

Mary Ann Pires

Patrick A. Pollino

Sammie Lynn Puett*

John M. Reed*

David R. Richards*

Maria P. Russell

John E. Sattler*

Stan Sauerhaft*

Charles A. Stengstock, Jr.

David H. Simon

E. Brent Snodgrass*

William A. Spencer

Douglas P. Starr, Ph.D.

Robert G. Strayton

M. Lane Talburt

Richard J. Toth, ABC

Richard R. Tyler

F.E. Valverde, ABC*

Gabriel Werba*

C.R. Werle

Ed Wheeler*

D. Christopher Whittle

Ernest Wittenberg

Roger Yarrington, Ph.D.*

Dale O. Zabriskie

James Walter Anderson*

James E. Arnold

Howard K. Back

Daniel H. Baer

Theodore Baron

Bill L. Baxter*

George L. Beiswinger*

David M. Bicofsky

Sue Bohle

Celia C. Boswell*

E.W. Brody, Ed.D.*

Jerry L. Bryan, ABC, CBC

Bruce Butterfield, CAE

Frederick A. Chapman*

Richard G. Claeys

J. Kenneth Clark*

William R. DeLay*

David R. Drobis

Alice M. Dykeman*

David Ferguson*

Winston C. Fournier*

John H. Francis, Ph.D.

Anthony J. Fulginiti

Thomas L. Harris

E. Bruce Harrison*

Everett A. Hayes*

Anna Sceia Klein

Mitchell Kozikowski

Herbert M. Kraus*

Stephen R. Lawrence

Frederick E. Leuschner

Diane Levin

Amelia Lobsenz*

Theodore Lustig, ABC

Terence A. McCarthy*

E. Zoe McCathrin*

P. Michael McDermott

David A. Meeker*

Hank Moore

J. Maestre Morata

Greta W. Murphy, Ph.D.*

Norman R. Nager, Ph.D.

Isobel Parke*

Morris V. Rosenbloom*

G. Robert Ruff

Leonard M. Schodowski

Jean Way Schoonover*

Alan Scott, Ph.D.

Joel A. Strasser

Gordon B. Strayer*

Graham Sudbury

Dolores M. Swift*

Frederick C. Teahan, Ph.D.*

Richard H. Truitt

Judy Van Slyke Turk, Ph.D.*

H. Brian Wilson

William F. Zorzi*

Paul H. Alvarez

Joseph F. Awad*

Stephen H. Baer

Herbert B. Bain*

Ann H. Barkelew

Jeanne Viner Bell*

Phyllis H. Berlowe*

Robert Kingdon Berry*

Judith S. Bogart

George C. Brown

John M. Butler, Ph.D.

George F. Caulfield

William J. Corbett*

F. David Cotten

Wilson Cronenwett*

Scott M. Cutlip*

Stafford G. Davis*

William E. Duke

Daniel J. Edelman*

Marcelle W. Farrington*

John W. Felton*

Paul S. Forbes

John D. Graham

Barbara W. Hunter

D.A. Kruckeberg, Ph.D.

Frank T. Le Bart*

Otto Lerbinger

James A. Little

William M. Michelet

Douglas A. Newsom, Ph.D.*

Lawrence W. Nolte*

Thomas L. Preston

Michael Radock*

Ed Reed*

Jack M. Reed*

James J. Richard*

Irving I. Rimer*

William J. Roach*

Joseph Roos

J. Kenneth Sanford

Parry D. Sorensen*

Robert E. Steele*

James B. Strenski*

Dwayne Summar

Charles W. Tisdall*

James L. Tolley

Walter J. Walsh*

Philip J. Webster

Richard Weiner*

Paul M. Werth*

C. Thomas Wilck*

Dennis L. Wilcox, Ph.D.

Robert B. Wolcott, Jr.*

Nancy B. Wolfe

Donald K. Wright, Ph.D.

Davis Young

Leone Baxter*

Dr. Edward L. Bernays*

John F. Budd, Jr.*

Chester Burger*

Harold Burson*

Allen H. Center, Ph.D.*

W. Howard Chase*

Kalman B. Druck*

Dan J. Forrestal*

Lawrence G. Foster*

James F. Fox*

Ralph E. Frede*

Denny Griswold*

George Hammond*

Rex F. Harlow, Ph.D.*

Carl F. Hawver, Ph.D.*

Patrick Jackson*

Lee K. Jaffe*

Philip Lesly*

Ed Lipscomb*

Donald B. McCammond*

Hale Nelson*

Betsy Ann Plank*

J. Handly Wright*

Frank W. Wylie*

Kenneth Youel*

Short panes should extend past all tabs

Past and Present Leadership
Executive Commitee

Chair
Philip Poole, APR, Fellow PRSA

Chair-elect
Ronele M. Dotson, APR, Fellow PRSA

Vice Chair
Kelly Davis, APR, Fellow PRSA

Secretary-Treasurer
Ellen Crane, APR, Fellow PRSA

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Ana Toro, APR, Fellow PRSA

Immediate Past Chair
J.W. Arnold, APR, Fellow PRSA

Committee Chairs
Education Initiatives
Kelly Gaggin, APR, Fellow PRSA
Christian Patterson, APR+M, Fellow PRSA
Brandon Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA

Fellows Chats
Janet Kacskos, APR, Fellow PRSA
Jo Ann LeSage Nelson, APR, Fellow PRSA

Fundraising
Elyse Hammett, APR, Fellow PRSA

GoodFellows
Andrew Corner, APR, Fellow PRSA
Jamie Floer, APR, Fellow PRSA
Kevin Waetke, APR, Fellow PRSA

Honors and Awards
Kathy Barbour, APR, Fellow PRSA
Philip Tate, APR, Fellow PRSA
Judy DeRango Wicks, APR, Fellow PRSA

Mentoring
Brook DeWalt, APR+M, Fellow PRSA
Renea Morris, APR, Fellow PRSA
Gail Rymer, APR, Fellow PRSA

Professional Development
Joyce Lofstrom, APR, Fellow PRSA
Margaret Ritsch, APR, Fellow PRSA

Strategic Communication
Wendy Kurtz, APR, Fellow PRSA
Dianne Danowski Smith, APR, Fellow PRSA

Social Media
Mark Mohammadpour, APR, Fellow PRSA
Susan Pollard, APR, Fellow PRSA

Strategic Planning
Greg Bailey, APR, Fellow PRSA
Jenny Barker, APR, Fellow PRSA
Debra Peterson, APR, Fellow PRSA

Newsletter editor (ex officio)
Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA

Historian (ex officio)
Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA

PRSA National Board Liaison
Janelle Guthrie, APR, Fellow PRSA
Past College of Fellows Chairs

2023 – J.W. Arnold, APR, Fellow PRSA

2022 – Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA

2021 – Greg Bailey, APR, Fellow PRSA

2020 – Barbara Kerr, APR, Fellow PRSA

2019 – Geri A. Evans, APR, Fellow PRSA

2018 – Deborah Radman, APR, Fellow PRSA

2017 – Julie B. Fix, APR, Fellow PRSA

2016 – Philip Tate, APR, Fellow PRSA

2015 – Steven Seekins, APR, Fellow PRSA

2014 – Anthony D’Angelo, APR, Fellow PRSA

2013 – Maria P. Russell, APR, Fellow PRSA

2012 – Mary Deming Barber, APR, Fellow PRSA

2011 – Frederick Bagg, APR, Fellow PRSA

2010 – Judith T. Phair, APR, Fellow PRSA

2009 – Michael L. Herman, S.A.G.E, APR, Fellow PRSA*

2008 – Bob Frause, APR, Fellow PRSA

2007 – Debra A. Miller, Ed.D, APR, Fellow PRSA

2006 – Scott Shirai, APR, Fellow PRSA

2005 – Vivian Hamilton, APR, Fellow PRSA

2004 – Joe S. Epley, APR, Fellow PRSA*

2002 – Pender M. McCarter, APR, Fellow PRSA

2001 – Rene A. Henry, APR, Fellow PRSA

2000 – David A. Meeker, APR, Fellow PRSA*

1999 – Joan L. Capelin, APR, Fellow PRSA

1998 – David H. Simon, APR, Fellow PRSA

1997 – Judy VanSlyke Turk, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA*

1996 – Richard G. Claeys, APR, Fellow PRSA

1995 – Sue Bohle, APR, Fellow PRSA

1994 – James Strenski, APR, Fellow PRSA*

1993 – Ann Barkelew, APR, Fellow PRSA

1992 – Douglas Ann Newsom, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA*

1991 – Joseph F. Awad, APR, Fellow PRSA*

1990 – Chester Burger, APR, Fellow PRSA*

*Indicates the chair is deceased

A Note from 2024 Chair

Induction into PRSA’s College of Fellows is an honor, but the College is not an honorary organization. Rather, it is a group of individuals who are thought leaders and actively engaged practicing professionals who have a distinct impact on our profession. Fellows are involved in the Society and in representing the College and the profession in a myriad of other public relations activities and organizations. It is difficult to find a PRSA committee, chapter, district or section, or other PR-related organization or board that does not include actively engaged Fellows in leadership roles.

When I first became involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America many decades ago, the College of Fellows did not exist. I had no way of knowing then where my professional journey would lead, but I did know that PRSA would be an important part. It has led me through chapter leadership, national service, accreditation and ultimately to application for and induction into the College of Fellows. Along that journey, there have been countless mentors and professional colleagues who have taught, inspired, and encouraged me. I am grateful for that influence on my life and career, and I strive to continue paying it forward. That is part of being a PRSA Fellow.

It has been said that mentoring is “a hallmark of the College of Fellows.”  While that continues to be a primary focus of the College, we are about so much more. We embrace and encourage change, but we also continue to honor the principles on which the College was founded in 1989. We lead with passion and commitment to making the world a better place through our profession and inspiring others to do the same.

Let’s all continue to “aspire higher.”

Philip Poole, APR, Fellow PRSA
2024 College of Fellows Chair

 

Sage Award for Mentoring

Do you know of someone in the PRSA College of Fellows who has mentored and guided individuals or groups to aspire higher and advance their careers?

Did this Fellow provide guidance and wisdom that had a measurable outcome or significant, life-changing impact on mentees?

Does this Fellow consistently rise above and beyond in the development of future industry leaders, new pros and PRSSA members?

Please consider recognizing their commitment to serve with a Sage Award for Mentoring nomination.

Learn more about the Sage Award for Mentoring

Becoming an Officer of the College of Fellows

The College of Fellows is now accepting online applications for the positions of chair-elect, vice chair, and secretary-treasurer for 2025. All applicants – including those who are serving or have previously served as Officers – are considered as new candidates.   

Serving in each of those positions provides unique opportunities to learn about and lead signature College programs. Those experiences are invaluable for those who ultimately serve as chair of the College. 

College of the Fellows officers are elected by the membership to serve one-year terms beginning January 1, with the exception of the Chair-Elect, who moves on to serve as Chair and then as Immediate Past Chair.  

Online applications for 2024 officers – including a signed "Willingness to Serve" form and letters of support – must be submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, July 1, 2024.  

Are you ready to lead our community of extraordinary leaders?

Apply


How to Apply

 

To be considered for admission to the College of Fellows, PRSA members must meet a stringent list of qualifications and complete the application process by the applicable deadlines. Applications are reviewed by the Fellows Selection Committee, which recommends new Fellows to the PRSA National Board of Directors for approval.

Our 2024 webinar - College of Fellows: How to Apply – will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 12 PM Eastern. GoodFellows Co-Chairs Andy Corner, APR, Fellow PRSA, Jamie Floer, APR, Fellow PRSA and Kevin Waetke, APR, Fellow PRSA, will review admission requirements, discuss the application process, share helpful tips and suggestions, and answer questions. Participants will learn about GoodFellows, a free, confidential coaching program for applicants provided by specially trained volunteer members of the College of Fellows.

Membership Criteria

  • Current PRSA membership
  • Minimum of 240 months public relations and communication experience
  • Current accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
  • Demonstrated superior professional performance in the practice/teaching of public relations
  • Advanced the profession
  • Contributed to the profession or the community through service and leadership
  • Served as a role model in the profession and the community

In addition, you must provide six letters of support with your application.

How to Apply

Application Materials:

2024 Application

Download the 2024 Fellows Application Prep Guide

Case Study Examples

Download Experience Calculator

Chapter/District/Section Form

      Application Schedule:

      • All applications and letters are due by 5 p.m. (EDT), May 1, 2024.
      • Selection Committee meets to discuss applications in late June.
      • Recommendations are submitted during the July meeting of the PRSA board.
      • Applicants are then notified of their status by the first week of August.
      • New inductees are inducted into the College during the PRSA International Conference.

      GoodFellows are members of the College who help candidates with the application process. Request a GoodFellow if you are considering starting the application process. Deadline to request a GoodFellow is Feb. 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm Eastern.

      College of Fellows 2023 Induction Ceremony

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