Nazareth College and University of Mississippi to Establish PRSSA Chapters in 2022

Nazareth College and University of Mississippi to Establish PRSSA Chapters in 2022

Undergraduate Communications Students Gain Access to Extensive Career Resources, Networking and Scholarship Opportunities

NEW YORK, November 18, 2021 – PRSSA, the foremost organization for students interested in the public relations and communications fields, announced today it has added Nazareth College – located in Rochester, NY – and the University of Mississippi to its network of Chapters worldwide.

Under the guidance of experienced Faculty Advisers and in coordination with local PRSA Chapters in Rochester, N.Y. and Memphis, Tennessee, respectively, the students will have unparalleled opportunities to further their education, gain valuable career advice and experience, as well as access to a variety of monetary scholarships.

With these two additions, PRSSA has added a total of five new Chapters in 2021.

“We're thrilled to be able to expand our PRSSA footprint in New York and Mississippi,” said Linda Thomas Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, PRSA. “The communications profession continues to grow in importance and skilled practitioners are in high demand at organizations and agencies worldwide. Preparing the next generation of leaders is a hallmark of PRSSA and we look forward to working with these students to ensure they are ready to succeed in their future endeavors.”

A lecturer in public relations and marketing communications at Nazareth College since 2015, Raymond A. Martino will serve as Faculty Adviser to the Nazareth College PRSSA Chapter. Martino, a longtime PRSA member, was a public relations practitioner for more than four decades before joining the Nazareth College faculty. Prior to founding a public relations consulting firm, Martino worked in higher education administration and for the New York State Senate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from St. John Fisher College and a master’s degree in public relations administration and research from the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

“I am excited to advise the PRSSA Chapter at Nazareth College,” said Martino. “Our Communication and Media program has prepared many graduates for careers in public relations, and the resources of PRSSA will further enhance career opportunities for our students.”

Dr. Amanda Bradshaw, assistant professor of integrated marketing communications, will serve as Faculty Adviser to the University of Mississippi PRSSA Chapter. She earned a doctorate in mass communication from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Alabama. 

Professionally, she worked as the Public Relations Manager of Preferred Medical Group, a multi-disciplinary, multi-location medical practice. Additionally, she served as Director of Sales and Brand Growth for Chick-fil-A in Lawton, Oklahoma. Simultaneously, she owned and operated a social media consulting firm before beginning her doctorate studies.

“We are excited to launch a PRSSA chapter at the state flagship institution, becoming part of an esteemed international organization,” said Bradshaw. “We are also thrilled to collaborate with the wonderful, talented public relations professionals at PRSA Memphis and look forward to learning from and working with them in the coming years. With 1,200 IMC majors, our student body is growing rapidly, and we already have 25 enthusiastic student leaders signed up to serve on our executive board and lead our committees. We are ready to hit the ground running to build University of Mississippi PRSSA to be the best that it can be.”

About Nazareth College
The communication and media major at Nazareth College prepares students to become versatile communicators in spoken, written and visual forms. Bridging liberal arts and professional practice, the program provides students with a holistic foundation in critical thinking, theory and craft. Students are ultimately well-positioned for a variety of careers in public relations, marketing, media, advertising and more.

About the University of Mississippi
The integrated marketing communications (IMC) program at the University of Mississippi is housed in its School of Journalism and New Media. Students pursuing a degree in integrated marketing communications can also specialize in more specific areas of study, including public relations, social media, and health communication. Teaching students how to strategically use messaging to persuade and sell, the program prepares graduates for multi-faceted careers in corporate communications, public relations, advertising, sales, government, nonprofits and more.

About the Public Relations Student Society of America
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. Founded in 1968 by its parent organization, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), PRSSA includes nearly 7,000 student members and advisers, and is active on nearly 375 colleges and university campuses, including in Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.prssa.org.

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Media Contacts:
Vinica Weiss
(212) 460-1479
vinica.weiss@prsa.org

Julie A. Long (Nazareth College)
(585) 389-2456
jlong2@naz.edu

Amanda S. Bradshaw (University of Mississippi)
(662) 426-2284
asbrads1@olemiss.edu