The award comes from the Public Relations Society of America and signifies University of Memphis having the best undergraduate program for communications and public relations in the country.
The University of Memphis has recently been awarded the prestigious Silver Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of America. The award is given to the school with the best undergraduate program relating to communications or public relations in the United States.
According to an article on The University of Memphis’ website, Professor Kim Marks Malone, who serves as the department’s online programs coordinator and the chair for undergraduate studies, was present at an event in New York City where she was able to accept the award in person on behalf of the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Marks Malone said of the experience and what the award signifies, “It was an honor to receive the Silver Anvil for the department. The recognition as the best undergraduate program in the country is a testament to the outstanding staff and faculty who put their heart and soul into our students every day.”
The Public Relations Society of America awards the Silver Anvil every year, bestowing it upon the school that displays the best public relations campaigns and organizational excellence. There are many initiatives and projects that mark University of Memphis as worthy of the Silver Anvil this year. Among its standout achievements include being a certified member of the Public Relations Society of America every year since 2001 and having two full-time and accredited Public Relations faculty members on staff.
The Department of Journalism and Public Relations also has a dedicated Obsidian Public Relations Social Media Lab which is funded through a partnership with a local agency. Within the lab, students run the Meeman 901 Strategies public relations agency, which gives students opportunities to work in a real-world setting and interact with the local community in a professional capacity. Additionally, students in the program have access to networking, portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and programs led by public relations professionals.
Dr. Matthew Haught, the chair of the department, said of the success of the program, “Our public relations faculty really go above and beyond, from our PRSSA chapter hosting the ICON conference in 2023 to the day-to-day teaching that pushes our students forward. I know they are getting our students ready to be rock stars in the professional world.”
For more information about The University of Memphis, visit the school’s website.