News Center

Stay up-to-date with news stories about The Plank Center and its activities, and articles promoting continued learning and positive dialogue covering industry trends and topics.

• Is Public Relations the Conscience of the Business?
  By Mark Harris, Board Member, The Plank Center Public relations is the conscience of the business.   That statement, or some close version, is one of the accepted truths about the practice of public relations – at least among people who do PR for a living.  
• Calm and Courageous Under Fire
  Eight guiding principles to tackle any crisis By Louise Oliver, APR, Peritus PR, and co-written takeaways by the Peritus PR team
• An Ode To The Women On My Team
  By: Myreete Wolford For Women’s History Month, I’ve written an ode to my team. 
• Empowered Women Empower Women: Commanding Confidence in the Workplace
  By: Maret Montanari I used to take the seat at the back of all my meetings — I never felt comfortable in another location, even if I was the first to arrive. While it seems like a small action, it can be a significant one. You see, the physical gap I put between myself and […]
• Women Role Models in PR — Opening Doors and Breaking Glass Ceilings
  By Hannah Taylor, The University of Alabama As a young woman on the verge of beginning my professional career in the public relations industry, I am quick to look for successful role models I can turn to for career guidance. Luckily, the PR field is ripe with women who consistently break professional barriers, paving the […]
• An Inside Look with Nadia Worsley | One Woman’s Journey through Public Relations and Mentorship
  By: Carol Ann Underwood
• A Note From Bridget Coffing, Plank Board Chair
  An inspirational thought about Women’s History Month Women’s History Month is an opportune time to “study, observe and celebrate the vital role of women in American history.” It also provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the role models who have blessed our lives. The magnificent men and women who have inspired us to […]
• To Great Women in PR in the Past And in the Future
  Bruce K. Berger, Ph.D., University of Alabama & Juan Meng, Ph.D., University of Georgia As we celebrate Women’s History Month in public relations, and the rich contributions and legacies of great women in the field, it is a good time to acknowledge some crucial gaps in leadership between men and women in the field.
• Leah Seay Named 2021 Chair For The Plank Center Emerging Leaders Committee
  TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has named Leah Seay as the chair of its 2021 Emerging Leaders Committee.
• Bridging Mentorship and Leadership Development to Establish a Pipeline of Inclusive and Effective Leaders in Public Relations
  By Juan Meng, Ph.D., University of Georgia  & Marlene S. Neill, Ph.D., Baylor University 
• THE PLANK CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC RELATIONS NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP AND BOARD MEMBERS
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2021 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Board of Advisors has announced its new leadership team and the addition of two new board members. 
• Press Release: Trends and challenges revealed in new book about women and leadership in public relations
  Advancement barriers, gaps in leadership and lack of mentors examined A new book, PR Women with Influence: Breaking Through the Ethical and Leadership Challenges, explores how women in the profession of public relations and communications navigate through attitudinal, structural and social barriers in advancing their leadership roles. The book is co-authored by Juan Meng, associate professor at the University of Georgia, and Marlene S. Neill, […]
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Depends On Ethical Decision-Makers
  We expect many things from leaders in our organizations.
• Educating During the Pandemic: The Fall 2020 Idea Generator for Instructors in Higher Education
  With colleges and universities compelled by COVID-19 to continue remote and virtual instructional methods, best practices are in high demand. This quick-read resource guide delivers a list of takeaways from The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations’ recent digital panel, “Educating During the Pandemic.”
• The Plank Center Welcomes Gary Grates and Jennifer Lowney to Advisory Board
  Board of Advisors meets virtually, reaffirms commitment to supporting PR students, educators and practitioners through digital content
• The Eight Truths
  Ron DeFeo shares his leadership journey and “The Eight Truths (of Public Relations Leadership).”
• Millennial Communication Professionals Study Published in International Journal
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and the Institute for Public Relations co-sponsored a study to examine the millennial generation from a talent management perspective.
• Challenge for Emerging Leaders, Dallas
  Eighteen PR students gathered at Southern Methodist University in Dallas to take part in the fourth Challenge for Emerging Leaders.
• Challenge for Emerging Leaders, Dallas
  Eighteen public relations students gathered at Southern Methodist University in Dallas to take part in the fourth Challenge for Emerging Leaders, hosted by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, November 14-16.
• Is Improving Public Relations Leadership on the Profession’s Radar Screen?
  Results of The Plank Center’s Report Card 2019 reflect little change in public relations leadership from two previous studies. PR leaders received an overall grade of “C+” in 2019, similar to previous studies, though down a bit overall in the last five years.
• The Plank Center Awards Eight D&I Scholarships
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has awarded eight diverse public relations students scholarships to attend its 2019 Summit on Diversity and Inclusion to be held in Chicago on Nov. 8.
• The Plank Center Honors Six Influential Industry Mentors
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will honor six influential leaders on their commitment to mentoring during an induction ceremony at the Union League Club of Chicago Thursday, Nov. 7.
• Trends and Challenges Revealed in First North American Communication Monitor
  The first study to examine the state of public relations in Canada and the United States found that building and maintaining trust is the most crucial issue facing the profession.
• Challenge for Emerging Leaders NYC
  Nineteen public relations students gathered at Syracuse University’s Lubin House in New York City to take part in the third Challenge for Emerging Leaders, hosted by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations.
• Plank Center Adds Renowned UGA Scholar to its National Board of Advisors
  The board of advisors for The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has elected Dr. Juan Meng to its ranks, bringing the group to 28.
• The Plank Center Awards $7,500 in Travel Scholarships to Five Diverse Students
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations awards $7,500 in travel scholarships to help five students further their professional development in areas of public relations leadership, mentorship and diversity and inclusion.
• The Plank Center Announces Fellowship for Educators Class
  The Plank Center selects educators to represent its ninth Fellowship for Educators class.
• The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Honors Seven Influential Mentors
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will celebrate, recognize and promote the critical role mentors play in helping to develop leaders and advance the profession at its ninth annual “Milestones in Mentoring” Gala.
• The Plank Center Sponsors, Joins Largest Study Worldwide Across 80 Countries
  The Center will sponsor the North American Communication Monitor (NACM), the first survey of its kind in North America, to explore the status quo, qualities and trends of communication management in North America.
• IBM’s Former Brand, Marketing and Communication Leader to Address the Future of Public Relations
  Jon Iwata, the former senior vice president and chief brand officer for IBM, and one of the most respected leaders in corporate communications, will address “The Future of Public Relations” Thursday, March 29.
• IBM’s Former Brand, Marketing and Communication Leader to Address Students and Faculty
  Jon Iwata, the former senior vice president and chief brand officer for IBM, and one of the most respected leaders in corporate communications, will deliver the 20th Koten Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations Thursday, March 29.
• Plank Center Welcomes Four New Advisors
  The board of advisers for The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has elected four professionals to join their ranks, bringing the group to 28.
• Ron Culp Inducted into Arthur W. Page Society Hall of Fame
  Celebrating the substantial contribution to the advancement of the profession, Ron Culp is the first recipient to be awarded the Arthur W. Page Society’s two prestigious honors – induction into the Page Society Hall of Fame (2017) and awarding of the Distinguished Service Award (2006).
• The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Honors Six PR Mentors
    The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations celebrates the power of leadership through mentoring at its eighth annual “Milestones in Mentoring” Gala. Six influential leaders who understand the importance of communications and mentorship will receive Milestones in Mentoring awards during an induction ceremony at the Union League Club of Chicago on Thursday, Oct. […]
• Plank Center Study Identifies Mentoring Benefits, Developmental Requirements
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has released a formal white paper highlighting the benefits and best practices entailed in the mentoring process, both at the collegiate level and in the workplace.
• Gender Differences Deepen, Leader-Employee Gap Remains and Grades Slide In Plank Center Report Card 2017 on PR Leaders
  In 2015 The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and Heyman Associates produced its first Report Card on PR Leaders. Leaders earned passing grades for the five areas examined—leadership performance, job engagement, trust in the organization, work culture and job satisfaction—but crucial gaps highlighted areas for improvement.
• The Plank Center Aims to Bridge the Gap Between Education and Practice
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations continues to bridge the gap between education and practice with its Fellowship for Educators Program. In the program’s eighth year, the following 10 educators have been selected to join the communications team at world-class public relations agencies and corporations.
• The Plank Center to Host Free Webinar on the Hidden Figures in PR
  When you think of the pioneers of the public relations profession who comes to mind? The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will host a free webinar on Thursday, May 4, titled “Hidden Figures in PR: Putting a Long-Overdue Spotlight on African-American PR Pioneers,” starting at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
• Study Details Timeline, Cultural Variations of Leadership Cycle Among Public Relations Practitioners
  This cross-cultural exploratory study by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations is the first known attempt to understand the process and various stages of leadership development in public relations specialists.
• Weber Shandwick CEO to Address UA Students and Faculty
  Andy Polansky, chief executive officer of Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading public relations firms, will deliver the 19th Koten Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations Tuesday, March 28. The lecture will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Reese Phifer Hall, room 216, on the UA campus. Polansky will discuss “Navigating Through a Dizzying Pace […]
• PR Diversity & Inclusion: The Common Denominator is Leadership
  A recent literature review by Dr. Nilanjana Bardhan, Plank Center board member and professor at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, showcases diversity and inclusion trends in the PR industry throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
• Research: Millennial Communication Professionals
  Millennials are often criticized for the different values, qualities and skills they bring to work. However, a new study by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and the Institute for Public Relations of millennial communication professionals (MCPs) confirms their generational differences but concludes some differences (e.g., millennials’ strong values for diversity, transparency and […]
• Bridge the Gap Between Academia and Practice
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations is accepting applications for its Educator Fellowship Program. The program consists of an intensive, two-week summer fellowship which allows the fellows to enhance their leadership, networking and professional development skills.
• The Plank Center Launches Research Library
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has launched its first-ever online research library. Designed to help students, educators and professionals, the library is a free resource featuring public relations research on leadership, mentorship, and diversity and inclusion.
• Plank Center Works to Advance Diversity and Inclusion in Public Relations
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has created a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to be a catalyst for other professional organizations, to help identify and bridge gaps, and assist organizations seeking to adopt best-in-class practices in the area of diversity and inclusion.
• The Plank Center Selects Chicago’s Ralph Campagna as its First Betsy Plank Mentorship Award Recipient
  Ralph Campagna, executive director of the Off the Street Club in Chicago, will receive the first-ever Betsy Plank Mentorship Award during the seventh annual “Milestones in Mentoring” Gala hosted by The Plank Center at the Union League Club of Chicago on Thursday, Nov. 10.
• Plank Center Adds Members, Re-Elects Leaders
  The board of advisers for The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has re-elected seven members and added two new advisers, bringing the group to 25.
• Study Demonstrates Lack of Accountability Impedes Diversity and Inclusion Progress for Many Firms
  Only 40% of Arthur W. Page member respondents claimed that they have integrated a comprehensive D&I strategy very well or completely well into their overall business strategy. This study is conducted in partnership by the PRSA Foundation and the Plank Center.
• The Plank Center Selects Educator Fellowship Program Class
  Nine educators will have the opportunity to enhance their skills, as they will be placed in the offices of sponsoring organizations this summer.
• The Plank Center Names 2016 Mentoring Honorees
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations celebrates the power of leadership through mentoring at its seventh annual “Milestones in Mentoring” Gala.
• RFP for White Paper on Mentoring Research and Best Practices
• The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Set to Celebrate 3rd Annual Betsy Plank Day
  For the third consecutive year, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will honor the late public relations legend, Betsy Plank, by hosting a national social media campaign on April 7.
• The Plank Center to Host Free Webinar on Getting a Job in Public Relations
  The Plank Center is set to host a free webinar on “Getting a Job in Public Relations” on Monday, March 7, beginning at 3 p.m. EST.
• General Motors Executive to Address UA Students
  Tony Cervone, senior vice president of global communications at General Motors Co. and chairman of the GM Foundation, will deliver the Koten Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations Tuesday, March 8.
• The Plank Center Adds Members to its National Board of Advisers
  The board of advisers for The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has re-elected five members and added two new advisers, bringing the group to 24.
• Southern PR Hall of Fame Honors Namesake of UA’s Plank Center
  Betsy Plank, public relations legend and the namesake of The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, has been inducted posthumously into the 2015 Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame.
• The Plank Center Announces Selections for Educator Fellowship Program
  Seven educators will have the opportunity to further their industry knowledge, as they will be placed in the offices of sponsoring organizations for two to four weeks this summer.
• Report Card Reveals Wide Gap Between Performance Grades of PR Leaders and Their Employees
  Leaders earned high marks for work engagement, but lagged in job satisfaction, work place trust and culture.
• Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Names 2015 Mentoring Honorees
  Six communications leaders will receive Milestones in Mentoring awards from the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations during an induction ceremony at the Union League Club of Chicago on Oct. 29
• UA’s Plank Center to Celebrate 2nd Annual ‘Betsy Day’
  For the second consecutive year, The University of Alabama’s Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will honor the late public relations legend, Betsy Plank, by hosting a national social media campaign April 2.
• USAA Executive to Address UA Students
  Wendi Strong, executive vice president and chief communications officer of enterprise affairs for USAA, will deliver the Koten Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations at The University of Alabama March 31.
• UA’s Plank Center Celebrates A Decade of Success
  The Center will celebrate its 3,652 days of leadership, 120 months of mentorship, 10 years of the late Plank’s vision and one decade of success with a monthly series to highlight its programs and mission.
• UA’s Plank Center Seeks Applicants for its Fellowship for Educators Program
• PRSSA Partners With Home Matters®, The Plank Center and Edelman for 2015 Bateman Case Study Competition
• UA’s Plank Center Adds Member, Re-Elects Leaders
  The board of advisers for The University of Alabama’s Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has re-elected six members and added one new adviser, bringing the group to 22.
• Plank Center Names 2014 Mentoring Honorees
  Celebrating the power of leadership through mentoring.
• UA’s Plank Center Announces Educator Fellowship Class
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama has announced the fifth class for its Fellowship Program for Public Relations Educators.
• UA Plank Center’s Co-Sponsored Research Study Leads to Book Release
• UA’s Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Set to Host ‘Betsy Day’
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama will honor the late public relations legend, Betsy Plank, by hosting a national celebration, Betsy Day, in honor of her 90th birthday, April 3.
• UA’s Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Seeks Applications for its Fellowship for Educators Program
  The Fellowship for Educators program seeks to combine academia with real world experience, creating an exchange of information and ideas to enhance the professional development of both educators and the host organizations.
• UA’s Plank Center Celebrates PR Educator Fellowship Program
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama has completed its fourth Fellowship Program for Public Relations Educators. In 2013, seven applicants were selected and placed with host organizations for two weeks during the summer.
• UA’s Plank Center Adds Adviser, Re-Elects Leaders
  The board of advisers for The University of Alabama’s Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has re-elected five members and added one new adviser, bringing the group to 23.
• UA’s PR Program Finalist for Education Program of the Year
  For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Alabama’s public relations program is one of the five finalists for PR Education Program of the Year, according to PRWeek Magazine.
• Center Board Member Wins Institute’s Pathfinder Award
  Dr. Bruce Berger, the Reese Phifer Professor of Advertising and Public Relations in the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama and a member of The Plank Center’s board of advisors, received the Institute for Public Relations’ Pathfinder Award for career contributions to scholarly public relations research.