History

In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) founded the Public Relations Student Society of America. The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.

The student society aims to foster the following:

• Understanding of current theories and procedures of the profession
• Appreciation of the highest ethical ideals and principles
• Awareness of an appropriate professional attitude
• Appreciation of Associate Membership in PRSA and eventually accredited membership

Today The Public Relations Student Society of America has more than 8,500 members in 270 chapters on college campuses across the country.

PRSSA Mission

• To serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities;

• To serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals. Click here for more information about PRSSA.

Ball State University Chapter History

The Ball State Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America was founded in 1972 by Dr. Louis Ingelhart, professor emeritus and the first journalism department chair. We are the oldest chapter of PRSSA in Indiana and among the oldest in nation.

Our chapter currently consists of over 60 members. Twenty-six of our members and faculty attended the 2003 PRSSA National Conference in New Orleans. This year Ball State turned heads. Going to the conference reassured of us how great our chapter is here at Ball State.