MUNCIE, Ind. -- A professor of public relations in Ball State University's Department of Journalism has been named the outstanding educator of the year.

Melvin L. Sharpe, APR, Fellow PRSA, was recognized for his significant contributions to public relations education by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world's largest organization for public relations professionals.

"It's the highest honor bestowed upon someone in my profession, the sort of award you never think you will receive." Sharpe said. "It recognizes the status of our program at Ball State and the quality of the students we've been sending out for a number of years."

Sharpe's contributions to his profession include the founding of the first international interdisciplinary research conference at the University of Maryland last summer and his continued push for change in public relations education.

Sharpe says there must be a strong relationship between the practice of public relations and the education of its future professionals.

"If you don't have the support of the profession, you'll be out of step with the needs of that profession," he said.

Sharpe founded the Indiana Public Relations Conference and helped elevate the Vernon C. Schranz Distinguished Lectureship at Ball State to international status. Both events demonstrate Ball State's leadership in the area of building the relationship between education and practice, he said.

In addition to guiding Ball State's public relations program, Sharpe is active in PRSA. His many leadership positions over the years include chairmanship of the PRSA Continuing Education Board, Educational Affairs Committee, PRSA Hoosier Chapter and PRSA East Central District.

He also served as the educational editor of the International Public Relations Review and currently chairs the PRSA Educator's Academy.

Chartered in 1947, PRSA has more than 18,000 members representing business and industry, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The society provides a forum to address issues affecting the profession and the resources for promoting professional standards.