MSU’s Campbell named Public Relations Association of Mississippi Student of the Year

Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State spring summa cum laude communication graduate Rileigh Campbell of Caledonia is the Public Relations Association of Mississippi’s Student of the Year.

Chosen for the honor based on her academic achievements, public relations experience and involvement on campus and in the community, Campbell’s selection was announced during the organization’s recent annual conference in Biloxi. Nominated by MSU Associate Professor Melody Fisher, Campbell received a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by C Spire.

In a recommendation letter, Fisher wrote that Campbell “has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance and remarkable practical skills.” She said what distinguishes Campbell “is not just her academic and professional accomplishments, but also her character. She is a team player and natural leader.”

The PRAM Student of the Year program offers each faculty member who teaches public relations at any of Mississippi’s colleges or universities the opportunity to nominate a student. Campbell was among six honorees nominated for the award this year—all Mississippi State students recognized as exceptional by their respective communication faculty nominators.

Greta Allen of Olive Branch received the runner-up award and was named Outstanding PR Student. A spring magna cum laude communication graduate nominated by Kelli Anthony, Allen received a $250 scholarship sponsored by The Cirlot Agency. In her recommendation, Anthony wrote that Allen’s “work ethic, organizational skills and overall ability to manage her time has amazed me since I met her in the fall of 2022.” She added that Allen “truly is a superstar student.”

Additional nominees include:

—Rebekah Brown of Virgina Beach, Virginia, senior graduating in December. Nominator Anna Blount wrote that Brown “specifically showcases superior public speaking, interviewing and writing skills.”

—Mallory Morrow of Huntsville, Alabama, spring summa cum laude communication graduate. Nominator Meaghan Gordon called Morrow “creative, meticulous and determined, and a great writer, photographer and content creator.”

—Isaac Sivils of Bude, spring summa cum laude communication graduate. Nominator Uyanga Bazaa observed that Sivils “stood out with his analytical skills, abilities to take initiatives and passion for communication.”

—Belle Grace Wilkinson of Florence, spring magna cum laude communication graduate. Nominator Terri Hernandez wrote that Wilkinson’s “impressive academic record, hands-on PR experience and commitment to the community have made her a standout within our concentration.”

PRAM was formed in 1956 and consists of seven local chapters throughout Mississippi with members representing advertising and public relations agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, government, education, industries and more. PRAM is part of the Southern Public Relations Federation, which brings Mississippi public relations practitioners and students together with others in Alabama, Louisiana and the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle. PRAM and SPRF offer an accreditation program through the Universal Accreditation Board, awards programs and annual professional development conferences that draw some of the region’s top public relations professionals. Learn more about PRAM at https://pramonline.org/.

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