Monmouth University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Shadow PR Firm was again recognized as a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nationally Affiliated Firm. Shadow PR Firm’s recognition is based off of the re-evaluation of several professional standards, including ethics, faculty support, outcomes achieved, professional practice, and its position in the community. Currently, there are only 39 student-run PR firms in the country with this designation, as per PRSA’s website.
Alexis Nulle, Specialist Professor of Communication, serves as the PRSSA faculty co-advisor alongside Mary Harris, A.P.R., Specialist Professor of Communication and the Journalism/Public Relations (J/PR) Program Director. Nulle explained, “Being a PRSSA National Affiliated Firm alone is a benefit to our PRSSA members. It recognizes us as one of the best firms, and, therefore, provides one of the best practical learning experiences while students are completing their studies in college.”
“Being nationally affiliated illustrates that our Firm is rooted in ethical public relations practices and that our students work diligently to support Monmouth University and the local community,” added Harris.
According to Nulle, Shadow PR Firm’s national affiliation opens doors that wouldn’t otherwise exist. For example, Monmouth students have access to the PRSA National Affiliation referral network, giving them the opportunity to work with reputable clients. Shadow PR is likewise listed on the national PRSSA website as a Nationally Affiliated Student-run Firm, thereby increasing Shadow PR’s public exposure.
Jordyn Rosen, a senior communication student, serves as the current President of PRSSA. “Being nationally affiliated sets our firm apart by positioning us as an elite PRSSA firm,” she said. “This recognition places us in an upper level of PRSSA firms, globally. Being recognized as a Nationally Affiliated Firm benefits students who are members of PRSSA for multiple reasons such as resume enhancement, access to National PRSSA resources, professional development opportunities, and notably, gaining real-world experience. By joining a subcommittee for one of our clients, members can gain hands-on client work experience which produces tangible results.”
As for current projects that Shadow PR Firm is working on, Harris noted the students’ involvement with Serenity Stables from Combat to Calm, which is a nonprofit that supports combat veterans. The Firm is planning a spring fundraising event for this nonprofit.
Rosen said, “We are currently working on a comprehensive schedule of on-campus and off-campus events for our clients next semester. Simultaneously, we are orchestrating multiple events geared towards our member’s professional development, highlights include our Professional Speaker Series and a trip to tour a PR Firm in New York City. Furthermore, we are working on ‘team bonding’ activities and promotional events to strengthen our presence on campus.”
Earlier this month, Monmouth’s J/PR program was recertified by the PRSA Certification in Education in Public Relations Program and is one of only 50 programs worldwide to receive such an accreditation. This title, along with PRSSA’s recognition, sets the J/PR program at Monmouth apart from similar programs at other universities.
Rosen concluded, “[This recognition] signifies our chapter’s commitment to our client work, professional development opportunities, and pursuit of excellence within the public relations industry.”
