Prsa College Of Fellows Certificate In Principles Of Public Relations

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 18, 2025, 3:09 PM

The PRSA Foundation will provide the PRSA College of Fellows Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Grant to qualifying students and young professionals to cover the cost of the Certificate in Principles of Public... This grant is funded by the PRSA College of Fellows. The College of Fellows believes in the importance of students and recent graduates entering the life-long ladder of professional development through PRSA membership and participation. That progression begins with PRSSA membership, followed by the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations, earning Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Universal Accreditation Board, and potentially culminating with induction into the College... The grant program will be under the oversight of PRSA Foundation, with the College of Fellows managing fundraising and the selection committee process. The PRSA College of Fellows Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Grant will provide a limited number of grants annually to qualifying undergraduate or graduate students or new professionals who meet the eligibility requirements...

Grants are provided to defray the cost of the study course and examination. Awards will be given twice annually. Applications for the spring/summer are due November 1. Applications for the fall/winter are due April 30. Applicants for the PRSA College of Fellows Grant should submit the following: Setting yourself apart from dozens or — in some cases — hundreds of other job candidates is a challenge.

Fierce competition necessitates you demonstrate a superior knowledge of universal public relations principles. Click image to access the #StandOutInPR Toolkit. As you approach graduation, adding the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations to your resume could be the leg up you need to secure the position you want. The process, which can be summarized in the four steps below, complements coursework and can be used to finish your college career on top. The Certificate program is offered at many colleges and universities, and is expanding. So far, the following colleges and universities have participated:

Universities need to have a faculty coordinator to participate in the program. Email accred@prsa.org for more information on joining our list of participating colleges and universities. Best Practices for Students interested in earning the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Hear from students who passed the examination as they share their study tips for success. Applying to the College of Fellows provides a unique and rewarding opportunity to assess your professional career and civic engagement: how you have contributed to our profession and your various communities for the past... Only the finest in our profession are chosen to become members of the College and use the “Fellow PRSA” designation, first by applying, then having the application screened through a rigorous peer review. As you prepare to start this application, you may want to read “What Makes A Fellow, A Fellow?” by Jim Lukaszewski, APR, Fellow PRSA.

It captures the true meaning of being a member of the College of Fellows. While selection to the College of Fellows reflects the highest pinnacle of leadership in the public relations profession, it is not a "career achievement" award. It is the next step on a career and leadership path, bringing even greater responsibility to lead with integrity and purpose. We wish you the best as you begin this exciting process. The PRSA College of Fellows is the gold standard for public relations professionals. Induction into the College of Fellows is an emergence into new ways of serving our profession and our colleagues.

Over 700 members have been inducted since its inception in 1989. Whether you have 20 plus years of professional experience or recently received your APR, continue the lifelong journey with the College of Fellows. While it is an honor to be a member of the College, it is not an honorary organization. Rather, it is an active group of experienced professionals who enrich our profession by continuing to leave a significant footprint on the public relations body of knowledge. A rigorous application and peer review process culminates in inducting into membership these ‘best of the best.’ Selection to the College is considered the pinnacle of one’s career and the beginning of the professional’s next career phase, sharing expertise and knowledge as they continue to grow professionally and expand their careers.

ChairRonele M. Dotson, APR, Fellow PRSAChair-electKelly Davis, APR, Fellow PRSAVice ChairJessica Graham, APR, Fellow PRSASecretary-TreasurerEllen Crane, APR, Fellow PRSADiversity, Equity & Inclusion OfficerOlga Mayoral Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSAImmediate Past ChairPhilip Poole, APR, Fellow PRSA Diversity, Equity & InclusionOlga Mayoral WilsonEducation InitiativesChristian PattersonMelissa Vela-WilliamsonBrandon WilsonFellows ChatsMike GrossJanet KacskosFellows EngagementAmy CowardJo Ann LeSage NelsonFundraisingJanet OppenheimerGoodFellowsAndrew CornerJamie FloerPamela ThompsonHonors and AwardsJulie FixFran StevensonPhilip TateInduction CelebrationEllen CraneJessica GrahamMentoringBrook DeWaltSusan PollardGail RymerNominatingPhilip PooleProfessional... For outstanding academic achievement and success in a public relations internship. Winners receive a $300 award. Open to undergraduate PRSSA students, the award is based on faculty recommendations and an essay.

Learn more. Presented annually in honor of past PRSA President, Betsy Plank, to PRSSA members in their junior or senior years. Three awards totaling $7,500 are given to students who are selected based on their commitment and leadership in PRSSA and the public relations profession. Learn more. This scholarship awards rising juniors and seniors in the state of Maryland who are PRSSA members for their public relations experience, commitment to inclusive environments, and mentoring capabilities. Learn more.

Established in memory of Gary Yoshimura. A $2,400 prize is awarded based on financial need and an essay competition open to all members of PRSSA. Learn more. The National Gold Key honors the outstanding public relations student and leader. Winners are those who excel in their academic study of public relations, have pursued ambitious professional development opportunities and are leaders in their PRSSA Chapter. Learn more.

Designed as a live, instructor-led certificate of completion program, “Strategic Communications for Associations and Nonprofits” provides participants with a practical framework for communicating with purpose, clarity and credibility. Navigating the Transition From Journalism to PR & Comms Public Relations Society of America Inc. 120 Wall Street, 21st Fl. New York, NY 10005-4024 Whether you're looking for a new position or a new employee, start your search on the PRSA Jobcenter.

© 2025 Public Relations Society of America Inc. The PRSA College of Fellows, founded in 1989, is the gold standard of the world’s largest association of PR professionals. The significance and distinction of the ‘Fellow PRSA’ designation after one’s name are akin to the Academy Award of public relations. The words ‘career pinnacle’ are often used to explain the gravitas of the College of Fellows. A rigorous peer review process has singled out these professionals to be among the ‘best of the best.’ The College of Fellows is an honorary organization within PRSA comprised of more than 350 senior practitioners and educators, each of whom has left a significant footprint on the public relations profession.

Election to the College, which was created in 1989 as part of a PRSA initiative focused on the future of public relations, is considered the pinnacle of a professional’s career. College members are seen throughout PRSA and the profession serving in Chapter, Section and national leadership positions, mentoring students and professionals, teaching, and engaging in professional practice. Requirements for applying for the College of Fellows:Current PRSA membershipMinimum of 240 months of public relations and communication experienceCurrent accreditation in public relations (APR)Demonstrated superior professional performance in the practice/teaching of public relationsAdvanced the... Douglas Farber Cannon, Ph.D., APR+M, Fellow PRSAChristie L. Goodman, APR, Fellow PRSAOlga Mayoral-Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSARobert (Bob) G. McCullough, MA, APR, Fellow PRSACarol A.

Scott, APR, Fellow PRSARobert E. Sheldon, APR, Fellow PRSAFrances A. Stephenson, APR, Fellow PRSARebecca Minjarez Villarreal, APR, Fellow PRSA © 2025 PRSA San Antonio All rights reserved. As a skilled public relations professional, you know that your success is dependent on staying relevant, resourceful, and inspired. The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field.

In addition to the APR, the following programs are available: PRSA members receive a $100 rebate upon passing the APR examination on the first try. Contact accred@prsa.org for further details. Save $35 when you bundle PRSA membership with an APR application enrollment. Every fall, as PRSA members gather for ICON, another tradition unfolds — one that honors the profession’s past, present and future. On the eve of ICON 2025 in Washington, D.C., nine practitioners will take their place among the College of Fellows, joining a community of leaders whose influence stretches across decades.

These Accredited PRSA members — each with at least 20 years of professional experience — were chosen through a rigorous process that asked them to showcase their impact, provide peer endorsements, and demonstrate how... Their applications were carefully reviewed by a committee of Fellows, with Kelly Davis, APR, Fellow PRSA, chair-elect of the College, overseeing this year’s selections. The new inductees will be celebrated at a formal gathering on Oct. 27, from 6-9 p.m. at the Washington Hilton with the theme “Red, White, Blue & Fellows: Celebrating Monumental Achievement,” an evening that Vice Chair Jessica Graham, APR, Fellow PRSA, organized. Since its inception in 1989, the PRSA College of Fellows has established itself as the gold standard for public relations professionals, growing to over 700 members.

PRSA CEO MATT MARCIAL EMBARKS ON APR JOURNEY Participate in Professional Interest Sections People Over Pitches: It’s Media Relations for a Reason PRSA Releases ‘AI Prompting 101: A ‘Start Here’ Guide for Professional Communicators’ Every advancement I made throughout my career had a connection with PRSA.

Prsa College Of Fellows Certificate In Principles Of Public Relations

People Also Search

The PRSA Foundation Will Provide The PRSA College Of Fellows

Grants Are Provided To Defray The Cost Of The Study

Fierce Competition Necessitates You Demonstrate A Superior Knowledge Of Universal

Universities Need To Have A Faculty Coordinator To Participate In

It Captures The True Meaning Of Being A Member Of