Media contact: Yvonne Taunton
Tehreem Khan and Macey-Marie HobsonThe University of Alabama at Birmingham chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama/Public Relations Student Society of America has won the Alabama Public Relations Society of America Outstanding Chapter and Outstanding Chapter Campaigns awards.
This marks the first time the UAB chapter has been awarded Outstanding Chapter by the Alabama PRSA.
“The UAB chapter of PRCA/PRSSA strives to build strong foundations and relationships with organizations of different sectors through public relations representation,” said Jacquelyn S. Shaia, J.D., Ph.D., faculty adviser and director of the Public Relations Program at UAB. “These students are educated not only in the classroom, but through activities of the organization, and learn how to integrate this training into the successful practice of public relations.
The Outstanding Chapter award is recognition that the student organization is a valuable part of the students’ education. The Outstanding Chapter Campaigns award recognizes the community service of these students in representing seven nonprofit organizations in Alabama.
“Awards such as these from leading professionals in the field sends a strong message to our students that they can and will be successful in their careers when they graduate,” Shaia said. “I am incredibly proud of each of them.”
In addition, two UAB students, Macey-Marie Hobson and Tehreem Khan, received the Award of Excellence and WordSmith awards. These two categories are extremely competitive, with submissions from universities throughout the state.
“This is a big achievement for me, and I thank my parents, who always encourage me to do my best,” Khan said. “I am so grateful to Dr. Shaia and UAB’s University Relations team for helping me grow as a writer and professional. This award wouldn’t be possible without them.” Khan is also the 2020-2021 chapter co-president.
Hobson also received the Award of Excellence for Public Relations Strategy.
“This award means a great deal to me,” Hobson said. “We work hard in our program to achieve excellence, and I am humbled by the confidence the public relations professionals in Alabama have shown in me.”
PRSA and PRSSA are made up of nearly 30,000 professionals and students who are organized into 300-plus chapters in the United States.
“Recognition by such a large organization clearly demonstrates that the UAB chapter is making large strides in preparing students for careers in the public relations field,” said Shaia.