The Hugh M. Culbertson Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at Ohio University was recognized as the gold standard of all PRSSA chapters worldwide by being awarded the 2021 Dr. F.H. Teahan Award for Outstanding Chapter during the 2021 PRSSA Virtual International Conference.
Scripps PRSSA has received Dr. F.H. Teahan Awards for four consecutive years, winning Outstanding Chapter for the second time since 2018.
The qualifications for this award include a demonstration of service to chapter members, diversity and inclusion practices, and outreach to the community and university. Recipients must be involved on an international level, have a strong relationship with PRSA and Chapter advisers, and also show active Chapter membership.
“This is such a high honor for our chapter,” said Macy Cantrell, 2021-2022 chapter president. “Our members work extremely hard, and it’s so rewarding to see those efforts be recognized internationally. I can’t express how proud I am to be a part of this amazing organization.”
Scripps PRSSA was also recently named a Star Chapter for the eighth consecutive year. A Star Chapter is recognized by PRSSA National for achieving eight out of 11 requirements related to professional development and relationship building. These include holding a community service project, high school outreach, attending National Conference and recruiting diverse majors.
"I have seen how hard Scripps PRSSA members have worked in the last year to continue to maintain their strong commitment to service to our University and the Athens community,” Dr. Eddith Dashiell, PRSSA adviser and director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, said. “To be able to maintain the high level of energy required to remain a strong chapter during a pandemic was amazing to see. This is my 30th year at Ohio University, and I cannot remember a single year in which our PRSSA chapter has not been an active contributor in providing students with stellar experiential learning opportunities in the public relations field. I have always been proud of Scripps PRSSA as a journalism faculty member and as director of the school, and I'm excited to now be part of Scripps PRSSA as their adviser."