Programs & Events

Our programs and events help advance the ethical and effective practice of public relations. Whether you’re a student, an educator or a professional, The Plank Center offers opportunities to get involved.

IN THIS SECTION

Milestones in Mentoring Gala

Honoring leaders throughout the public relations profession who, by word and deed, have demonstrated a superior commitment to mentoring others, and who are committed to accelerating the success of others in the field.

Fellowship for Educators

An important initiative in furthering our mission of helping bridge the gap between the practice and education is our Fellowship for Educators program that brings practitioners and educators together for two weeks each summer.

Challenge for Emerging Leaders

In an effort to advance leadership at all levels, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations created the Challenge for Emerging Leaders, an intensive, two-day leadership workshop for engaged, high-achieving and diverse university seniors majoring in public relations.

Betsy Plank Day

Betsy Plank Day is a day to celebrate the late First Lady of public relations. She served as the first female president of the Public Relations Society of America in 1973, and her legacy lives on through The Plank Center’s research and work in advancing the profession and public relations education.

Koten Distinguished Lecture Series in PR

Through this program, leading national public relations practitioners and scholars visit The University of Alabama for a day to meet with public relations students and faculty, teach classes and deliver a formal presentation on a significant issue in the field.

The Summit

The Plank Center Summit provides a forum for practitioners, educators and students to come together to discuss crucial leadership issues in public relations today.