PRSSA Society Origin
A proposal to create a national student society of public relations was made to the Spring Assembly of the Public Relations Society of America on April 05, 1967. Delegates requested that the Board refer the matter to the National Education Committee for further study, and that their recommendations be placed on the agenda for the November Assembly. Consequently, the position paper prepared for the Education Committee by Dr. Frederick Teahan was presented to Assembly Delegates on November 11, 1967, in Philadelphia; it was approved unanimously.
The Public Relations Student Society of America was created on the following day, November 12, 1967 by the PRSSA Boards of Directors, J. Carroll Bateman presiding. In 1968, during the presidency of Edward P. VonderHaar, the PRSA Board created a total of 14 PRSSA chapters. The first nine chapters were granted chapters on April 04, 1968; these chapters were: University of Florida, University of Houston, University of Maryland, Ohio State University, San Jose State University, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, Utica College of Syracuse University, and West Virginia University.
PRSSA Statement of Purpose
In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America founded the Public Relations Student Society of America. The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners. The student society aims to foster the following:
- Understanding of current theories and procedures of the profession
- Encouraging the highest ideals and principles
- Instilling a professional attitude
- Encouraging Associate Membership in PRSA and eventually Accredited membership
The PRSA Board of Directors holds the responsibility of accepting new PRSSA charters. However, the PRSSA National Assembly, comprised of student representatives, is the primary governing body of PRSSA. The PRSSA National Assembly elects a National Committee that is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the student society. Both operate within the powers granted them by PRSSA National Bylaws. The PRSA Board of Directors appoints National Committee Advisors each year.
PRSSA Mission Statement
- To serve it’s members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities.
- To serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well prepared professionals.
PRSSA National
PRSSA is a national organization with over 200 chapters across the United States, reaching as far as Alaska and Hawaii. Monmouth University is very proud to be a part of such a prominent national organization.
On PRSSA’s official Web site (www.prssa.org), you can find information about the national committee. In addition, you can find job opportunities via JobWeb, which is a complete listing of organizations across the country specializing in public relations and available scholarships.