Public Relations Student Society of America
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Email our faculty advisor |
Welcome to the University of Utah PRSSA Chapter
Are you ready to jumpstart your career in public relations and strategic communication? The University of Utah Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is your launchpad to professional success, offering unmatched opportunities for networking, leadership, and hands-on experience in the field.
While many of our members are Communication majors, PRSSA is open to students from all majors who are passionate about storytelling, media, branding, and making an impact. Whether you're dreaming of agency life, corporate communications, nonprofit advocacy, or government affairs, our chapter connects you with the tools, resources, and industry professionals to help you thrive.
Why Join PRSSA?
As part of a nationally recognized pre-professional organization affiliated with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), PRSSA gives you:
What We Do
We meet at least monthly during the school year to provide members with up-to-date information on upcoming PR events, internships, PRSSA/PRSA initiatives, and local chapter activities. Our meetings often feature guest speakers from the industry, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to get involved in real-world public relations projects. We often host events open to the public including:
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Guest speaker panels
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Resume and portfolio workshops
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Agency tours and job shadowing
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Case study competitions
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Social mixers and networking events
Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates!
Our Board
Get Involved
Joining PRSSA is one of the best investments you can make in your future as a communications professional. If you're interested in becoming a member of the University of Utah PRSSA Chapter, or if you have questions about how to get started, contact our Faculty Advisor:
You don’t have to wait until graduation to start your PR career—join PRSSA today and start building it now!
Career Development
You'll gain hands-on experience through campaigns, workshops, and speaker events.
Networking
Build lasting connections with peers, mentors, and industry professionals nationwide.
Leadership Experience
Serve in chapter roles, manage events, or lead committees.
National Opportunities
Attend PRSSA conferences, apply for scholarships, and explore internships.
Carol Hand | President
Carol Hand is from Saratoga Springs, UT, and is a rising junior studying Strategic Communication. Carol loves PRSSA because it offers incredible opportunities for both professional and personal growth. She is very excited to share that passion with other students through the fun, professional, and casual events that PRSSA will be hosting this year.
Shae Hanson-Gadomski | Vice President
Shae Hanson-Gadomski is from Huntington Beach, California. She is an upcoming senior studying Strategic Communication. Shae first joined PRSSA hoping to broaden her network and explore what a career in Public Relations could look like. She is very excited to serve as the chapter’s Vice President for the ‘25-‘26 school year!
Isabelle Churchill | Secretary
Isabelle Churchill is from Leavenworth, Kansas. She will be beginning her senior year, majoring in Strategic Communication. Isabelle joined PRSSA to connect with other students who are passionate about communication, grow her network, and gain hands-on experience in the public relations field.
Melia Norwood | PR Director
Melia Norwood is from Orange County, California, and is going into her senior year as a Strategic Communication major, with minors in Management and Psychology. Melia believes PRSSA will help her network and gain essential communication skills necessary for a successful future. She is excited to be a part of this amazing team!
Matisse McMullin | Assistant PR Director
Matisse McMullin is from Draper, Utah, and is entering her senior year as a Strategic Communication major, with minors in Photography, Art Technology, and French. Through PRSSA, Matisse looks forward to connecting with fellow students and professionals. She is excited to help create meaningful opportunities for networking and growth.
Dr. Curtis Newbold | Faculty Advisor
Curtis Newbold is a passionate educator, speaker, and award-winning corporate consultant. His research spans areas of business and strategic communication; information design; and competency-based education. Newbold has taught university courses in the U.S., Korea, and China and he has led graduate student strategic communication projects for non-profits on five continents. Curtis has delivered over 200 live trainings, webinars, workshops, and keynote addresses for several multinational companies and government organizations. He has a PhD in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design (RCID) from Clemson University and a BS in English and MA in Professional Communication from Utah State University. His forthcoming textbook, Business & Professional Communication: A Human-Centered Approach, is scheduled for publication in January 2025. He currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Strategic Communication at the University of Utah where he also advises the student chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
