DETROIT — Wayne State University’s James S. Measell chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) received the Dr. F.H. Teahan Diversity Award at PRSSA’s National Conference in San Francisco on Oct. 16.
The award, given annually to a chapter that exemplifies an outstanding commitment to diversity in both its membership and programming initiatives, was only one of 11 national accolades given to PRSSA chapters from universities across the country.
“Positive national recognition for Detroit's public relations prowess is welcome,” says Mary Henige, director of social media and digital communications for General Motors and the chapter’s professional advisor. “We're a huge diverse city of professionals so it's no surprise that Wayne State's PRSSA chapter was recognized for its commitment to diversity.”
Last winter, Henige, along with Wayne State PRSSA and the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Detroit chapter, coordinated the student organization’s greatest example of diverse pre-professional programming: The Ofield Dukes Diversity Summit.
The summit was named in honor of the late Ofield Dukes, a WSU alumnus and lifelong champion for diversity in public relations, and featured interactive presentations from innovative leaders in the PR field. Over 120 students and professionals attended the event, exceeding the expectations of both organizers and attendees.
Former Wayne State PRSSA Chapter President Greg Melvin was instrumental in earning the Diversity Award — garnering national recognition for the James S. Measell chapter was a main focus from the start of his tenure as president.
“Diversity is part of who we are – as metro Detroiters and as Wayne State students,” says Melvin. The university is in many ways a microcosm for the entire region. Every culture and segment is represented, and we try equally hard to ensure our chapter membership reflects the diversity of Wayne State and the region, too.”
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.