Kia Leach

Final Project

LOGO
News Release
April 14, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kia Leach
Student
PRSSA
(678)666-666
Kleach1@my.westga.edu

University of West Georgia was granted a charter to begin their own West Georgia PRSSA
chapter.
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for
students interested in public relations and communications.
CARROLLTON, GA- The UWG chapter plans to organize ( in conjunction with other PRSSA
chapters and PRSA Georgia) different types of activities and opportunities for members
including professional development opportunities: workshops, guest speakers, service activities:
volunteering with public relations events and firm agencies.
Membership is open to any UWG student interested in public relations, regardless of
major or classification. Initial membership dues are $75; renewing membership dues are $60.
Students can join in the fall or spring semesters. Annual membership dates are Nov. 1 Oct. 31
(or Mar. 1. Feb 28/29 for members joining in spring).
Dr. Hazel Cole and Dr. Amber Smallwood are the faculty co-advisers for the chapter.
Jacob Hawkins is the professional adviser for the chapter. Mr. Hawkins is a media relations
manager at Georgia Power, in the Atlanta office. He graduated from the University of West
Georgia (Mass Communications) in 2006. Justin Monsewicz is the current president of the
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Kia Leach

Final Project

chapter. He worked to prepare and submit the materials to PRSSA national for approval. While
in school, students get to learn about PR in ways not available in the classroom. After graduation,
students can join PRSA for a lower annual rate, and stand out above other recent graduates.
Students interested in public relations will have the opportunity to expand their
academic and classroom experiences to learn from some of the nation are leading communicators
through our relationships with PRSA Georgia said Dr. Hazel Cole.
There are several requirements departments of universities/colleges must meet in order to
receive a PRSSA charter (more info about these can be found on the PRSSA.org website). The
Department of Mass Communications has been working over the past several years to ensure the
program was well-positioned to apply for a charter. Pretty simply, I saw the need and
opportunity for the university. The Mass Comm. Dept. has opportunities for the other branches in
the dept., so I wanted to bring it full circle and have something for the PR students said Justin
Monsewicz.
There are many benefits to joining PRSSA. These are detailed in the PRSSA.org site
(http://www.prssa.org/about/Join/Benefits/).

Contact information for the organization is limited. UWGPRSSA@gmail.com is the

primary email address for the organization. Dr. Smallwoods contact information can also be
used.

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