Pursuing PR Perfection: MSU students capture first place at regional competition
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State public relations students are proving their skills on a regional stage, earning first place in a competitive challenge and several top awards at the recent Southern Public Relations Federation, or SPRF, Annual Conference in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Representing MSU’s Department of Communication, Media and Theatre, communication students, senior Parker Acosta of Mandeville, Louisiana; senior Caroline Flint of Sturgis; senior Alice Ann Haab of Louisville; and junior Maggie Heath of Brandon, captured first place in the conference’s Public Relations Case Study Challenge, an intensive, on-site competition that tests participants’ strategic thinking, creativity and collaboration. Competing against teams from across the Southeast, the group’s innovative approach and teamwork stood out to industry judges.
“The students impressed the judges by writing an original radio script and playing the advertisement during their presentation,” said Melody Fisher, MSU associate professor of public relations and faculty advisor for the group. “They also were able to apply research they conducted using a SWOT analysis––strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats––to incorporate fundraising into preplanned fall events. Their use of one and two-way communication was expertly executed.”
Beyond the competition, the students immersed themselves in professional development sessions that connected them directly with public relations professionals. They toured the Romph Pou Agency in Shreveport, Louisiana, and met with representatives from Southwestern Electric Power Company, gaining firsthand insight into agency operations and corporate communications.
Several MSU communication students also received awards in the SPRF Lantern Awards program, which celebrates outstanding public relations work submitted by both students and professionals throughout the Southeast.
Those receiving an Award of Excellence for their City of Eupora Awareness Campaign include:
—Rebekah Brown, senior, Pensacola, Florida
—Anica Hankey, senior, Frisco, Texas
—Makenzie Stone, 2025 spring graduate, Starkville
—Presley White, 2025 spring graduate, Quitman
Those receiving an Award of Excellence for their Golden Triangle Kennel Club of Mississippi campaign include:
—Rileigh Campbell, 2025 spring graduate, Caledonia
—Caroline Flint, senior, Sturgis
—Belle Fulkerson, 2025 spring graduate, Decatur
Those receiving an Award of Merit for the True Rest Spa Awareness campaign include:
—Mary Grace Black, 2025 spring graduate, Amory
—Erin Buckley, 2024 fall graduate, Crystal Springs
—Alice Ann Haab, senior, Louisville
—Abby Rutherford, 2024 fall graduate, Starkville
“These students demonstrated outstanding skill in applying classroom learning to real-world contexts,” Fisher said. “Their success at SPRF and their engagement with leading professionals reflect the excellence and experiential focus of our public relations program at Mississippi State.”
Founded in 1972, SPRF connects PR professionals across Alabama, North Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.
For more information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Communication, Theatre and Media, visit www.cas.msstate.edu and www.comm.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.