PRSSA Launching 2 New Chapters; PRSA Foundation Announces 2026 Board

PRSSA has established two new collegiate Chapters at Bethel University and Coastal Carolina University (CCU). 

Located in St. Paul, Minn., Bethel University’s PRSSA students are part of the newly established School of Business and Communication. Bethel University’s strategic communication track includes standard PR courses, along with electives such as corporate communication and events management and leadership. 

The university also offers a social media minor, which combines business, communication and media production courses such as content strategy and creation. 

The new PRSSA Chapter will be supported by Betsy Anderson, Ph.D., APR, faculty adviser and Minnesota PRSA immediate past president, and Karen Lyons, APR, professional adviser, who will guide students as they begin building professional connections and leadership opportunities through PRSSA.

Similarly, at CCU, the Department of Communication, Media and Culture is committed to preparing students for career success, professional versatility and lifelong learning. Angela Fabbri, lecturer and director of professional communication at CCU, will serve as faculty adviser, with support by Marlene White, professional adviser.

PRSA Foundation Announces 2026 Board of Directors, Expands Scholarship Support 

The PRSA Foundation announced its 2026 Board of Directors and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing diversity and expanding opportunity within the profession. 

Guided by its 2026 purpose statement, “Opening doors for the next generation of PR leaders,” the Foundation continues to broaden its support for students through scholarships, grants and industry partnerships that help launch meaningful careers.

The Foundation invests in emerging PR talent by awarding scholarships and grants to students active in PRSSA Chapters, as well as other deserving undergraduate and graduate students across the United States and internationally. 

A key focus of the Foundation’s work is Foster the Future, an ongoing program that has grown significantly, thanks to recruitment support from founding partner, Mission North. Through this program, agencies and organizations contribute to scholarships and internships that help students begin meaningful careers. 

Foster the Future continues to attract more partners each year and remains central to the Foundation’s mission to build a more inclusive and representative profession.

“Our mission has always been to open doors for the next generation of PR leaders, and we’re proud to expand the number of scholarships and grants available in 2026,” said Natan Edelsburg, chief partnerships officer, Muck Rack and 2026 PRSA foundation president. “The continued growth of programs like Foster the Future shows what’s possible when agencies, educators and industry leaders come together with a shared commitment to inclusion.” 

Please visit the PRSA Newsroom for the complete list of the Foundation Board of Directors.

Entering the 2026 Anvils

PRSA is now accepting entries for the 2026 Anvils, which are celebrating their 82^nd anniversary. 

The Anvil Awards define the standard for communications excellence. Don’t miss the opportunity to set your organization apart and join the icons of the communications profession! Check out the award categories at the PRSA website and save the date for the Anvil Awards Ceremony on May 14 in New York City.

Deadlines:

• Early — Jan. 15
• Regular — Jan. 29
• Final — Feb. 12