ALABAMA PRSA STUDENT AWARDS

Entry Timeline

• Awards open February 1, 2024 and must be emailed to Rachael Farr (rfarr@robinsmorton.com) by midnight on March 22, 2024.

Entry Rules

1. Each entry should be a four-page (maximum) written summary PDF with no more than 10 pages for additional information. The total number of pages in the PDF cannot exceed 14 pages.

2. Submissions should include student work completed between March 2023 through March 2024.

3. Chapters or individual students applying for multiple categories must submit each entry separately.

4. Entries must include the following details in the application:

   • Name of PRSSA chapter or individual student submitting the entry

   • Contact name, phone number and email address

   • University, college and/or affiliated PRSSA chapter

   • Name of award

   • Headshots for individual awards or team photos for group awards

5. Entries should be organized to reflect public relations research, planning, implementation and evaluation (RPIE or RACE) where applicable. 

6. Graphics, programs, brochures and other supporting materials such as letters of recommendation or endorsement, may accompany the entry.

7. Entries that do not specify the category for which they are submitted will be disqualified.

8. Entries not following all entry rules will automatically be disqualified.

9. Submissions must be emailed to Rachael Farr (rfarr@robinsmorton.com) by midnight on March 22, 2024. She will confirm receipt.

Tips for Success

• Make your four-page entry count by writing concisely, being specific and providing details. Highlight results and provide context. Don’t forget to think through RPIE.

• Be specific in your descriptions. Give details.

• Provide supplemental materials that bring your entry to life (clippings, images, collateral, writing samples, etc.). Quality is more important than quantity.

• Package your entry in a professional, business-like way.

• Proofread multiple times for grammatical errors, AP Style and typos.

• Reread the entry rules prior to submitting to ensure you’ve followed them correctly.

• Questions? Contact Rachael Farr (rfarr@robinsmorton.com) or Abby Basinger (abby.basinger@gmcnetwork.com).

Chapter Awards

Outstanding Chapter
Chapters in this category must display a continued effort on behalf of PRSSA. Programs should be well established, but the Chapter should also demonstrate new ideas. Successful fundraisers work with the school and community, alumni contact, PRSA Associate Member promotions, and a well-established student firm, will be considered. A strong and active chapter membership, and demonstrated leadership on the national level, both present and past, are part of an outstanding Chapter. Good working relationships with PRSA, Faculty and Professional Advisers and assistance to PRSSA members in finding internships are other areas that will be considered. If your Chapter wins, it means that it is outstanding in everything.

Chapter Development
This category is open to Chapters that either have fewer than 20 members or have had a PRSSA charter for no more than three years. The following activities will be considered: chapter newsletters, membership drives, fundraisers, relationships with PRSA Chapters and members, public relations publications, and overall membership involvement. Activities will be judged for exceptional effort and creativity.

University Service
This category recognizes voluntary projects executed by a PRSSA Chapter that directly benefit the chapter’s school. Projects such as producing brochures, pamphlets, directories and events; conducting university or college public relations campaigns; and offering time, talent and services to the school may be submitted. Judges are concerned with those activities that support the school’s objectives, organizations and interests.

Community Service
This category recognizes voluntary projects executed by a PRSSA Chapter that directly benefit the Chapter’s community. Projects such as producing brochures, pamphlets, directories and events; conducting community public relations campaigns; and offering time, talent and services to the community may be submitted. Judges are concerned with those activities that are intended for the residents of the local community.

Chapter Diversity
This category recognizes outstanding commitment to diversity within the PRSSA Chapter. PRSSA is dedicated in its efforts to welcome and maintain a diverse membership and encourages Chapters to recruit members that represent the demographic composition at their college or university. We embrace members regardless of race, culture, gender, religion, education, age, disability, marital status, socio-economic background or sexual orientation. Judging criteria will include activities performed to promote, generate awareness and encourage diversity within your Chapter.

Chapter Newsletter
This category honors the outstanding PRSSA newsletter. Criteria include quality of writing, creativity, design and content. Newsworthiness, frequency of publication and scope of distribution will also be considered by judges. Samples of the newsletter should accompany each entry.

Chapter Website
This category honors the outstanding PRSSA Website. Criteria include creativity, design, content and overall appearance. Chapters should submit information on the steps taken in setting up and marketing the website, and include the Internet address and hard copies of their website.

Chapter Campaign
This category recognizes excellent public relations campaigns. Chapters can showcase a comprehensive, strategic campaign with tactics backed by research and results directly impacting goals.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Wordsmith
This category recognizes excellence in writing, including practice writing knowledge, use of AP style, the ability to impactfully write to reach target audiences and the skills to research, plan and execute online and traditional public relations communications successfully. Writing samples from coursework or previous internships including press releases, media pitches, newsletters, articles, op-eds, media pitches, internal messaging and brand collateral will all be considered.

PR Strategist
Students entering this category must demonstrate their acumen as an emerging public relations practitioner. Case studies of successful campaigns, strength in writing, PRSSA chapter leadership or other extra-curricular communications leadership roles, campus leadership, and letters of recommendation will be considered. The PR Strategist award is a well-rounded student representing the future of the industry well.

2023 Winners

Outstanding Chapter
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chapter Newsletter
University of Alabama

Chapter Diversity
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chapter Website
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chapter Campaign
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Past Winners

Outstanding Chapter
University of Alabama

Chapter Newsletter
University of Alabama

Chapter Diversity
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chapter Website
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chapter Campaign
University of Alabama at Birmingham

University Service
University of Alabama

Community Service
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chapter Development
Jacksonville State University

PR Strategist
Samuel Adams, UAB

Wordsmith
Claire Dubreuil, University of Alabama

2020

Outstanding Chapter
University of Alabama

Chapter Dedication
University of Alabama at Birmingham

PR Strategist
Page Seacrest, Samford University

Wordsmith
Hannah Bae, University of Alabama at Birmingham