Dr. Douglas Newsom, journalism department chair from 1979 to 1986, advised TCU’s PRSSA chapter long before it was named in her honor.
In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) founded the Public Relations Student Society of America. PRSSA is aimed at enriching the college experience by providing real-world experiences such as job shadows and agency visits.
TCU’s PRSSA chapter was named for Professor Emerita Dr. Douglas Newsom, an accredited member of PRSA and a member of the PRSA College of Fellows. The chapter meets throughout the semester to plan events and host guest speakers.
The chapter is a proud sponsor of the TCU Bateman Competition Team each year. First established as the National Case Study in 1973, and later renamed to honor the late Carroll J. Bateman, APR, the competition challenges teams of students to research, plan, implement and evaluate a public relations campaign for an actual client. More than 75 teams enter the competition each year, giving students real-world experience that can translate to resume additions, portfolio pieces and even jobs. After an extensive judging process, three finalists are chosen to present their campaigns to the sponsor, who receives the right to ideas presented.
For more information, visit the chapter’s Instagram at @tcuprssa or contact chapter sponsor Dr. Amiso George.