by Kara Philpot | May 8, 2013 | News Slider
New Lipscomb Public Relations Student Society of America president Amanda Priddy, who served as vice president last year, says she has big plans for campus’ chapter of the public relations organization. “I’m thrilled to be elected president, and I’ve already been working on plans for next year,” said Priddy, who was elected at the March meeting of the group. Priddy will begin her term at the end of the semester, which will run through spring 2014. “I want to increase membership and make PRSSA an essential part of being a communications major,” Priddy said.“This will include many opportunities for networking, job shadowing and help with resumes, cover letters and portfolios.” This incoming slate of officers are, like Priddy, seniors Andrew Thetford, who will be vice president, Kaleigh Bueckert, who will be secretary and Katy Holmes, who will be treasurer. “I’m excited to work with Andrew and the girls, and I think they’re all amazing leaders and forward-thinkers,” said Priddy. “I think we’ll make a great team.” The team will meet once a month along with their faculty advisor Aerial Ellis. A primary goal is to raise funds in order to send the chapter to Philadelphia for the PRSSA National Conference in October. The officers also must create opportunities for their members to get involved in the local and national community. “Our chapter is small, but I think there are so many opportunities in Nashville for us. This year will be about taking advantages of those opportunities,” Priddy...
by Hunter Moss | Nov 11, 2010 | Uncategorized
On November 9, PRSSA (Public Relations Students Society of America) members were invited to have breakfast with Katie Paine, CEO and founder of KDPaine & Partners LLC, at the Pancake Pantry – a Nashville tradition. The consultancy measures the effectiveness of social media and traditional public relations. Paine’s insight into social media encouraged students to investigate its power. Paine discussed several topics about social media. She answered the questions with substantial evidence saying public relation practitioners must engage their clients in social interaction. Twitter and Facebook navigates the ability for companies to reach an entire new audience. “CEOs engaging in a social media presence must participate in the conversation,” comments Paine. “Ignorant company executives will fall quickly behind competitors already ahead.” The nationally renowned social media expert (twitter: KDPaine) offers expert guidance for using various metrics to better understand the value of any communications programs and social media efforts. “Social media is becoming very important in public relations,” says Marlee Vogel, freshman communication major from Kingsport, Tenn. “Public relations majors and minors will find [that] measuring their client’s social media presence [will be] crucial in the future.” Later in the day, the same PRSSA members attended a professional luncheon where Paine gave a speech on her social media measurement methods. This professional development opportunity is one of many benefits of PRSSA membership. The chapter held its monthly meeting in the Ezell Building. Select students gave a report of the day’s events. Monica Wentworth, director of the Career Development Center, was November’s speaker and provided insight the importance of utilizing social media for finding a job. LinkedIn was given as an...
by Hunter Moss | Oct 25, 2010 | News Slider
Public relations students and advisers met newsman Bob Schieffer while visiting the set of CBS Face the Nation in Washington, D.C. The four students and two advisers were attending the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) national conference when they had the chance to visit the newsroom Oct. 17. Linda Peek Schacht, Lipscomb professor and Washington insider, provided them the opportunity to meet her friend Bob Schieffer. The PRSSA officers were greeted warmly by producers and then received a studio tour. Hunter Moss, as Lipscomb University PRSSA chapter president, presented Schieffer with an autographed Hatch show print from last spring’s Music from the Mountain concert, the Lipscomb event that honored musical legend Mother Maybelle Carter. One of Schieffer’s hobbies is playing the guitar and listening to folk music, and Mother Maybelle, the late matriarch of the Carter Family, revolutionized the way a guitar is played. “I’m thankful for [Schacht’s] friendship and this Hatch print from Lipscomb University, ” Schieffer said. “These artists are my musical heroes.” Hatch prints, are done the old-fashioned way, an artform still kept alive in their lower Broadway printshop, which is affiliated with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. As the program began in the studio, the students sat in the control room. The show’s guests included former head of the Democratic National Committee Howard Dean, Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Republican strategist Liz Cheney — daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney — and Bill Galston, former adviser to President Clinton. Students experienced a heated debate between the outspoken duo of Dean and Cheney, who argued over campaign contributions. After the show, Schieffer invited...
by Hunter Moss | Oct 8, 2010 | News Slider
Students interested in pursuing careers in public relations should attend the next PRSSA meeting (Public Relations Student Society of America) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ezell 109. This second meeting of the revamped chapter is designed to help students get a taste of their chosen professional field before graduating and seeking employment. “In an increasingly competitive job market, students need to explore every possible way to become stronger candidates,” said Kay McDowell, internship director for the Department of Communication and Journalism. “Professional organizations offer a wonderful opportunity to learn the latest industry trends, network with seasoned professionals and gain practical resume-building experience.” PRSSA offers professional development, resume enhancement sessions and networking opportunities. This year, the chapter is focusing on strengthening the students’ resumes by supplementing experiences and professional development outside of the classroom. The chapter brings in professionals and public relations practitioners for its monthly meetings covering specific topics. Past speakers include Jimmy Chaffin from Dye, Van Mol and Lawrence, and Julie Davis, the communications director for Cracker Barrel. October’s special guest is News Channel 5 reporter Rodney Dunigan who will explore the topic “From Pitch to Placement: Understanding a PR Practitioner’s Role in News.” PRSSA membership receives exclusive access to internship opportunities before the department publicly announces them. Members will also visit local agencies and corporate offices throughout the year. Academic portfolios will be developed for a student’s future internship and employment interview. Professionals will review and advise members of current trends in the industry, and professional development workshops will be offered to provide insight on becoming a successful practitioner. For more information about membership and dues, please contact Hunter...
