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.

• 2023 Agency Award Recipient, Mike Doyle
  The Plank Center recognizes and promotes the critical role mentors play in helping to develop emerging leaders and advance the profession and honors leaders throughout the 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 at its […]
• PR Leaders Raise Grade to “B-” in the Plank Center’s Report Card 2021
  Did the pandemic and social turmoil drive improved performance? For the first time since the biennial Leadership Report Card was launched in 2015, the grade for overall performance rose to B-.
• In Case You Missed It – LGBTQ Rights on the Line: The Role of Communicators in Advocating for Equality
  By Trinity Hunter | June 30, 2022 As we come to the end of the month, we would be remiss without acknowledging the existence and subsequent importance of Pride Month. An annual recognition during the month of June, Pride Month recognizes and uplifts members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Pride Month & PR: From Memory Lane to the Future
  By Trinity Hunter | June 30, 2022 Every June, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are uplifted and recognized for their identities. With the ever-growing social media market, pictures of Pride celebrations and testimonials have flooded the internet. As visibility increases and acceptance grows, brands are recognizing the community as an important public to engage.
• THE PLANK CENTER NAMES ITS 2022 MILESTONES IN MENTORING HONOREES
  TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will honor six influential public relations professionals at its 12th Milestones in Mentoring Gala, at 6 p.m. CT on Nov. 3, 2022, at the Union League Club of Chicago. 
• In Case You Missed It: Important Takeaways from a “Celebration of The AAPI Community in Public Relations”
  By Trinity Hunter | May 31, 2022
• The Importance of Setting Expectations for Your Team
  The CCO for American Airlines shares lessons learned about how to set your team up for success as a comms leader. Ron DeFeo | February 2022
• 5 Leadership Tips from The Plank Center’s 2021 ‘Milestones in Mentoring’ Honorees
  Consider these suggestions to mentor future leaders in your organization and in the wider PR industry. By Colleen Dolan | January 2022
• PRESS RELEASE: The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Announces New Brand Identity | Rebrand Marks Future-Focused Change for the Center
  The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations recently announced its new brand identity. While the Center’s mission, goals and values remain unchanged, the total rebrand and new look represent the efforts of the Center to continue evolving with the public relations and communications industries.
• Q&A: Jinx Coleman Broussard, 2021 Dr. Bruce K. Berger Educator Honoree
  Dr. Jinx Coleman Broussard discusses mentorship, leadership and DEI in public relations for The Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Gala Honoree Q&A.
• Q&A: Tom Martin, 2021 Legacy Honoree
  Tom Martin discusses mentorship, leadership and tips for students in public relations for The Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Gala Honoree Q&A.
• Q&A: David Albritton, 2021 Jack Koten Corporate Honoree
  David Albritton discusses mentorship, leadership and DEI in public relations for The Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Gala Honoree Q&A.
• Q&A: Barby K. Siegel, 2021 Agency Honoree
  Barby K. Siegel discusses mentorship, leadership and DEI in public relations for The Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Gala Honoree Q&A.
• Q&A: Myreete Stanforth, 2021 Emerging Leader Honoree
  Myreete Stanforth discusses mentorship, leadership and ethics in public relations for The Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Gala Honoree Q&A.
• The Life of a Publicist
  A tribute to and an inside look at the life of a publicist in honor of National Publicist Day 2021. By Carol Ann Underwood | October 2021
• THE PLANK CENTER NAMES BOB JIMENEZ, JESSAMYN KATZ AND JOSEPH TATEOKA NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ADVISORS
  October 28, 2021  TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Board of Advisors has announced the addition of three new board members: Bob Jimenez, Jessamyn Katz and Joseph Tateoka.
• 4 Key Tenets for Leading Through Ambiguity
  COVID-19 is teaching organizations to operate in new and unfamiliar ways. By Gary F. Grates | October 2021
• THE PLANK CENTER TO HOST ITS 2021 DEI SUMMIT: BUILDING PATHWAYS FOR DIVERSE LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP IN PR 
  September 28, 2021 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will return its 2021 DEI Summit on Nov. 11, 2021 from 2:00 – 5 p.m. at the Union League Club of Chicago. The Plank Center’s Summit on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion provides a forum for practitioners, educators and students to come […]
• Leading A Strategic Plan For An Uncertain Future During A Time Of Disruption And Upheaval
  The dean of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication makes the case for the lessons leaders should take from a changing sector that is rethinking its future. By Juan-Carlos Molleda | September 2021
• Inclusive Leaders Pass the Rock
  Daniel Payan, my long-time professional colleague and friend, recently succumbed to a decade-long battle with cancer. His passing evoked many rich memories, including the story of his “leadership rock.”
• The Value of Humility is Vastly Underrated
  Here’s how leaders should communicate a willingness to learn, an openness to new information and the vulnerability to admit when you are wrong. By Mark Harris | August 2021
• 3 Essential Elements of Leadership for the ‘Next Normal’
  A vice president of communications for Randstad USA makes the case for what lessons leaders should take from a turbulent 2020. By Alicia R. Thompson | July 2021
• The Role of PR in Creating a Better World for the LGBTQIA+ Community
  By Trinity Hunter | June, 2021 While Pride Month is coming to an end, it is imperative that we take a look at the history of the LGBTQIA+ community within the United States. To many, the month of June is one of celebration. It marks the time of parades, when companies will release their latest […]
• How the Global Pandemic Affected Communications Professionals and the Industry: Insights from the 2020-2021 North American Communication Monitor
  June 2021 There is no doubt that the COVID-19 global pandemic has generated an ongoing and possibly long-lasting impact on many aspects of communication, working environment, and multiple sectors of the world. It is critical to explore how communication professionals adapted to COVID-19 impacts and led to successful communication and transitions during this challenging time.
• 2 Essential Blessings the Best Leaders Can Give
  The Plank Center’s Bruce Berger reflects on a lesson learned from Betsy Plank on the importance of service and empathy for PR leaders and mentors. By Bruce Berger | June 2021
• The 2020-2021 North American Communication Monitor Identifies Trends and Challenges in a Year of Continuous Crisis
  June 3, 2021 In one of the most unusual years of our lifetime, the 2020-2021 North American Communication Monitor (NACM), organized and conducted by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, disclosed key trends and challenges facing the communication profession.
• Plank Leaders Discuss Ethics with Scripps PRSSA
  By Kelly Lambers | May 2021
• Making The Next Big Move
  May 2021 | The Plank Center’s Emerging Leader Committee releases their newest resource guide.
• How a Family Tragedy Offered a Lesson in Transparent Communication
  All families know pain and loss—and one comms leader reflects on how those experiences offer wisdom in the face of the many challenges of 2021. By Jeff Winton | May 2021
• Is Public Relations the Conscience of the Business?
  By Mark Harris, Board Member, The Plank Center | April 2021 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 | March 2021
• An Ode To The Women On My Team
  By: Myreete Wolford | March 2021 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 | March 2021 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 […]
• Women Role Models in PR — Opening Doors and Breaking Glass Ceilings
  By Hannah Taylor | March 2021 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 way […]
• An Inside Look with Nadia Worsley | One Woman’s Journey through Public Relations and Mentorship
  By Carol Ann Underwood | March 2021 For Women’s History Month, we are honoring and celebrating women in the communications industry across all stages of their careers. Nadia Worsley is a publicist at Twelve 88 Agency in Los Angeles.
• A Note From Bridget Coffing, Plank Board Chair
  Bridget Coffing, Plank Board Chair | March 2021 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 […]
• 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 | March 2021 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 […]
• 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
  By: Carol Ann Underwood | September 2020 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?
  According to Report Card 2019, PR leaders received an overall grade of “C+”, reflecting little change from two previous studies.
• 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.