Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the foremost organization for students interested in the public relations and communications fields, recently announced the establishment of a new Chapter at Adrian College. This marks the 10th school in the state of Michigan to be affiliated with PRSSA, continuing the organization’s mission to build a robust, widespread network of students at institutions of higher learning.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Adrian College, especially during this unique period of time when the role of communications professionals continues to be so critical,” said Jeneen Garcia, executive director, PRSSA. “We’re delighted to get to work with Adrian College’s creative and talented students to help grow the next generation of PR leaders.”

A private, co-educational college of liberal arts and sciences, Adrian College offers 90 majors and pre-professional programs, seven masters programs and 10 institutes dedicated to a diverse and personalized approach to education. Through active and creative learning in a supportive community, undergraduate and graduate students are challenged to achieve excellence in their academic, personal and professional lives, and to contribute to a more socially just society, according to Adrian College.

Christy Mesaros-Winckles, Ph.D, will serve as faculty adviser to the PRSSA Chapter. She is currently the chair of the Department of Communications Arts and Sciences and oversees the public relations major and minor. Mesaros-Winckles has developed the experiential learning portion of the program through partnerships with the Adrian Chamber of Commerce and various nonprofits in Lenawee County, Michigan. In her courses, she covers public relations writing, production, strategy and research. She also teaches Intercultural Communications and Organizational Communication, which shows students how to successfully communicate as professionals across cultures and in a variety of group communication settings.

“The Adrian College Communication Arts and Sciences Department is thrilled to have our public relations major become part of PRSSA,” said Mesaros-Winckles. “Our students are excited and I’m looking forward to the professional development opportunities they will have access to in the coming years.”

The Adrian College Chapter will be supported by the PRSA Northwest Ohio Chapter, which will help foster student and professional connections by providing speakers, networking opportunities, career mentoring and other benefits.