BYU NewsNet - Students Represent BYU on PRSSA National Board

Two BYU communications students have been selected to participate on the Public Relations Student Society's National Committee.

Cindy Washburn, Director of Records and Editor-in-Chief of BYU chapter's newsletter, The Professional, has been appointed as Editor-in-Chief of FORUM, PRSSA's national newspaper. Tyler Page, the chapter's director of finance, was also elected to the committee as vice president of Professional Development.

As members of the committee, both Washburn and Page will be heavily involved in progressing PRSSA's image nationally by interviewing top professionals, producing the organization's national newspaper and the national newsletter. They will also provide administrative support for student-run public relations firms, the Accredited in Public Relations Exam preparation and establish a nationwide mentorship program.

The addition of BYU students on the committee will provide the university positive exposure.

"Having our students on the national executive committee is beneficial for the PR program, the communications department and the university because it puts BYU on the national map," said Dave Schefcik, BYU PRSSA chapter president. "We will know what is going on and have an intricate part in deciding the national agenda.

It really reinforces the positive view of the university and its chapter, and the idea of creating professionals that are ready to go."

Washburn expressed her excitement about representing the university and what role she'll play.

"Because PRSSA is a national organization we now have the opportunity, as BYU students, to represent the university across the country," Washburn said. "I will be able to communicate with professionals from all over the country and represent BYU in the business world. This helps both BYU and the communications department gain exposure in a national, professional setting."

Student exposure and national access to our students is good for the school and department because it helps others recognize qualities that set BYU students apart from other communications students nationally, Page said.

"The department is evaluated largely on the quality of its graduates," Page said. "As BYU students are recognized nationally, the BYU Comms brand improves among those who know our students. Exposure of any of our students is a good thing because it helps people see how great the department is."

Professor Susan Walton, BYU's PRSSA chapter adviser, explained the benefits of having students on the committee from a faculty perspective.

"It helps our department because as our students become more familiar with PRSSA nationwide, we can make a stronger contribution to the organization, and we can get more out of the experience for our students," Walton said. "The opportunity to host Forum is a great example of such an opportunity."

The students were appointed or elected at the national assembly in San Diego, March 13 to15, after submitting proposals, competing in open debates and a rigorous election process. Both Washburn and Page will assume responsibility for their assignments July 1.