About
About Us
TThe Educators Academy Professional Interest Section is comprised of 400 college and university public relations educators and practitioners. The members of this Section play a vital role in educating the next generation of public relations and communication practitioners, in addition to conducting important industry research. Through our virtual networks, in-person events, case studies and scholarly research, you will gain access to tools, insights and current industry practices that will shape your research projects and curricula.
Section Member Resources on MyPRSA
The Adjunct Resource Guide aims to help public relations practitioners transition into the college classroom and become effective educators. Developed by members of the PRSA College of Fellows and Educators Academy, the guide answers common questions about being a part-time faculty member and teaching the next generation of PR professionals.
How Do I Join?
If you are already a PRSA member and looking to join this Section, please call the Member Services department at (212) 460-1400 or email: membership@prsa.org.
Not a PRSA member?
Learn about the benefits and how to join PRSA here.
Join your colleagues at these organizations by taking advantage of our Section membership benefits now!
Events
Educators Academy 2025 Summit
One Summit, Two Ways to Connect!
Join us for a powerful hybrid summit. A virtual experience on October 6, 2025, and an In-person co-located with PRSA ICON on October 27, 2025, at the Washington Hilton!
From the Chair
From the Chair
Welcome to the PRSA Educators Academy
As Chair of the PRSA Educators Academy, I step into this role with optimism, gratitude, and a deep commitment to advancing both our section and the public relations profession. I am honored to serve alongside educators and professionals who are shaping the future of PR through teaching, mentoring, and leadership.
In 2026, I will encourage and support members in taking an active role in the future of the academy and PRSA. Our strength lies in collective engagement, and I invite you to participate in ways that are meaningful to you; serving on committees, attending professional development programs and socials, contributing your expertise, or encouraging colleagues to join and engage.
A key focus of my term will be mentoring the next generation of public relations professionals. This includes supporting educators as they prepare students for meaningful careers, as well as encouraging seasoned practitioners who feel called to teach to consider entering the academy as adjunct professors. Bridging professional practice and academic preparation strengthens our classrooms, our students, and the profession.
The PRSA Educators Academy exists because of its members. Remember what Betsy Plank said, “You are never too old or too young to mentor. It Is amazing what can be accomplished when no one takes credit."
I look forward to serving with you.
Mary Ann Pearson, Ed.D, APR
Chair, PRSA Educators Academy
Professor, Communication and Leadership Studies
California Baptist University, Riverside, CA.
Executive Committee
Educators Academy Executive Committee
Chair
Mary Ann Pearson, Ph.D.
Professor, Communication
California Baptist University
mpearson@calbaptist.edu
Chair Elect/At-Large (EA Summit) Chair
Lisa Du Bois Low, MBA, APR
Associate Professor of Practice
Texas Tech University
Lisa.Low@ttu.edu
Immediate Past Chair
Joseph Stabb, Ph.D., APR
Assistant Professor of Practice
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
jstabb@utk.edu
Secretary
Shelley Wigley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Texas-Arlington
shelley.wigley@uta.edu
Sponsorship/Fundraising
Jae-Hwa Shin, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Communication
University of Southern Mississippi
jae-hwa.shin@usm.edu
Research Chair
Christa Clark Bell
Instructor, Assistant Department Head
McNeese State University
cbell@mcneese.edu
Programming
Victoria LaPoe, Ph.D.
Department Head, Journalism
University of Cincinnati
vlapoe@gmail.com
At-Large (Ethics) Chair
Tricia Farwell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Middle Tennessee State University
tricia.farwell@mtsu.edu
Newsletter Editor
Maria De Moya, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Mississippi State University
thernandez@comm.msstate.edu
Outreach/Membership Chair
Victoria Brodie, EdD, MBA
Associate Professor, Chair
California Baptist University
vbrodie@calbaptist.edu
Communication Chair
Michelle Galey
Assistant Professor of Practice
Washington State University
mgaley@wsu.edu
Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Chair
Matise Hamel-Nelis, ADS, CPACC
Founder and Principal
Matisse Nelis Consulting
matisse@matissenelis.com
UAB Liaison
Kelly Bruhn, Ph.D., APR
Associate Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University
kelly.bruhn@drake.edu
PR Journal Liaison
Hilary Fussell Sisco, Ph.D., APR
Associate Professor and Chair, Dept. of Strategic Communication
Quinnipiac University
hilary.fussellsisco@quinnipiac.edu
Educational Liaison
Bonita Neff, Ph.D., APR
Professor Emerita, Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) Fellow
Valparaiso University
Bonita.Neff@Valpo.Edu
PRSSA Liaison
Gemma Puglisi
Assistant Professor
American University
puglisi@american.edu
CPRE Liaison
Melody Fisher, APR
Associate Professor
Mississippi State University
mtf134@msstate.edu
Graduate Student Liaison(s)
Kyra Newcombe
Doctoral Student
University of Oklahoma
Kyra.V.Newcombe-1@ou.edu
Graduate Student Liaison
Carla White
Doctoral Student
University of Tennessee
cwhit145@vols.utk.edu
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