For Third Consecutive Year, UA’s PR Program Finalist for Education Program of Year by PRWeek Magazine

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s public relations program is one of five finalists for PR Education Program of the Year, according to national awards compiled by and published in PRWeek magazine.

The number one program for 2011 will be announced in New York City on Thursday, March 10. Last year, UA was the top-ranked university in the nation that offers both graduate and undergraduate programs.

“We are extremely proud of this national recognition of our program, and we are very pleased to be in contention for the top ranking again this year,” said Dr. Joseph Phelps, chair of the UA department of advertising and public relations.

This is the third year PRWeek has included a PR education category in its annual awards program that honors the best corporate, nonprofit, agency and education teams in the industry. This also marks the third consecutive year that UA’s PR program has been recognized for being one of the top programs.

The other schools among the five finalists include Brigham Young University, Georgetown University, Syracuse University and New York University.

Dr. Bruce Berger, professor and former chair of the department of advertising and public relations, organized the materials submitted with the entry. Judges evaluated PR education programs based on faculty research productivity, student and faculty achievements, involvement of alumni, quality of internships, course innovations, campaigns and uses of new media, and other factors.

“This award program is very competitive,” said Berger. “Being a finalist for the third year in a row contributes to the reputation of the PR program and the University, and it helps us recruit top students and faculty. It also stimulates all of us to work diligently and creatively to continue to enrich the program.”

“We are all extremely proud to see the PR program continuing to receive such wonderful national recognition,” said Dr. Loy Singleton, dean of the College of Communication and Information Sciences. “It’s particularly significant that this ranking comes from the public relations industry’s leading business publication.”

Megan Barnes, a senior majoring in public relations, attributed the program’s success to unique opportunities offered to its students.

“The hands-on experience the program offers for students cannot be matched,” said Barnes. “The internships and job offers that come out of this program lead students to successful careers. The program not only provides meaningful experience and opportunities, but it also instills goals and values into each individual.”

“As chair, I am extremely proud of this recognition of our faculty and students’ efforts,” said Phelps.  “As a parent of a high school student, my wife and I are looking for college programs with top national standing with our daughter. Having the best program close to home is great news for us.”

UA’s department of advertising and public relations, with more than 1,000 students, is the largest department in the College of Communication and Information Sciences.

PRWeek provides timely news, reviews, profiles, techniques and ground-breaking research for practitioners. The magazine launched the PRWeek Awards 12 years ago to showcase and recognize the best practices in the PR industry.