The public relations sequence of Brigham Young University's communications department has been certified by the Public Relations Society of America - the first school in the nation to earn the credential.
The school was recognized Tuesday during a meeting of PRSA's Intermountain Chapter in Salt Lake City. Gordon C. Whiting, chairman of the communications department, accepted a certificate of distinction on behalf of the school.To earn certification, the school's public relation sequence must undergo a self study and be reviewed by a three-member team comprised of two public relations practitioners and an educator accredited by PRSA.
"What this program offers colleges and universities is the opportunity for review and endorsement of public relations education by the profession's leading organization," said PRSA national president H.J. "Jerry" Dalton.
The designation, titled "certified in education for public relations," also was approved by PRSA's board of directors and was granted for six years.
David Ferguson, senior consultant of Hill and Knowlton Inc. of Chicago, said "Brigham Young's public relations sequence is outstanding, so it's particularly fitting that it be the first to seek and earn the CEPR credential."