UA PR Program Named One of Nation’s Top Five

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — For the sixth consecutive year, The University of Alabama’s public relations program, housed in the College of Communication and Information Sciences, is one of five finalists for PR Education Program of the Year, according to national awards compiled by and published in PRWeek magazine.

The top program for 2014 will be announced in New York City in March. Dr. Joseph Phelps, chair of the department, said he is honored that the program is considered one of the nation’s elite, and he hopes it brings home the top award this year.

“Being recognized as a top program for six consecutive years is an honor that reflects the dedication and consistent high quality work of our students, faculty and staff,” Phelps said. “This is an outstanding team that continues to grow stronger.”

Dr. Joe Benson, UA provost, said the program’s consistent high ranking nationally demonstrates the excellence of UA’s faculty and students.

“Six years in a row is certainly recognition of the quality of the program and the recognition it receives nationally,” Benson said.

UA’s PR program has been recognized as a finalist all six 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 as determined by its panel of 78 judges.

The other schools among the five finalists include American University School Of Communication, Brigham Young University, DePaul University and Georgetown University.

UA’s department of advertising and public relations, with more than 1,300 majors, 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.