MISSION
As a Star Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, our mission is to develop members for careers as highly qualified, well-prepared public relations professionals. We pursue our mission by:
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Enlisting guest speakers to share insights and knowledge at our meetings
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Conducting professional development workshops
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Supporting participation in PRSSA activities, competitions and scholarships
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Creating interactions with PRSSA and PRSA members through conferences and meetings
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Connecting members with internship and other employment opportunities
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Acting as liaison with PRSA Miami, our sponsor chapter; PRSA and PRSSA at regional and national levels; and external partners
VALUES
FIU PRSSA is a pre-professional organization that fosters positive and lasting relationships through a collaborative approach. Our chapter abides by the PRSSA Code of Ethics and Conduct, which is founded on the following values: advocacy, honesty, expertise, independence, loyalty and fairness.
HISTORY
The chapter is named for William C. Adams, who founded it in 1989. During his 13 years at FIU, he was named Advisor of the Year by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Outstanding Public Relations Educator by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Adams, an APR Fellow, wrote “Ask the Professor” column for “PR Tactics” (now “Strategies & Tactics”) from the PRSA publication’s inception in 1994.
An associate professor of advertising and public relations, he was also recognized as one of the top 10 public relations educators in the nation by PR Week magazine in 2000.
As chapter advisor, he secured more than $300,000 in corporate grants for student production of “Get Ready,” an award-winning hurricane preparedness guide. Adams passed away while still a faculty member in March 2003. A School of Communication + Journalism scholarship fund was created in his name to support PRAAC majors.
Adams was later succeeded by associate professor Lynne Farber. During her 15 years as advisor, the chapter received numerous awards including the PRSSA Pacesetter Award, FIU Student Life Award, Advisor of the Year, Finalist for Chapter of the Year, and multiple recognitions for PRSSA/PRSA Relationship Month activities.
Farber received the Bill Adams Lifetime Achievement Award from the PRSA Miami chapter in 2019 shortly after her retirement. Assistant teaching professor Hugo H. Ottolenghi became chapter advisor in 2019. The chapter earned the national Star Chapter Award from PRSSA in 2020 and 2021.
The chapter has always been affiliated with the PRSA Miami chapter, making its members eligible for scholarships from the Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund. At least one FIU PRSSA member wins the scholarship every year. In 2021, five of the eight scholarships were awarded to chapter members.