UA’s PR Program Finalist for Education Program of the Year

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — For the fifth consecutive year, 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 2013 will be announced in New York City March 7.

“Being recognized as one of the top five programs once again is incredible,” said Dr. Joseph Phelps, chair of the UA advertising and public relations department. “It is a testament to the efforts of our students and faculty that they can compete against programs that have better facilities and more resources and still win. Honestly, I do not know how they do it or if it can be done again. It is truly incredible.”

UA’s PR program has been recognized as a finalist all five years 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.

The other schools among the five finalists include American University School Of Communication; Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies; New York University; and Syracuse University.

“The honor of being named one of the nation’s top PR education programs five years in a row is quite an accomplishment,” said Dr. Loy Singleton, dean of the College of Communication and Information Sciences. “It demonstrates the commitment of the department and College to the long-term success of our students and the quality of education we provide them.”

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 13 years ago to showcase and recognize the best practices in the PR industry.