Baylor Graduates Honored as ‘PR Rock Stars’

May 20, 2016

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321

WACO, Texas (May 20, 2016) — Recent Baylor University graduates Elizabeth Arnold and Ashton Brown were recognized by Arik Hanson of ACH Communications as two of the “PR Rock Stars of the Future.” The two were nominated for the accolade by Marlene Neill, Ph.D., assistant professor of journalism, public relations and new media in Baylor’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Each year, Hanson showcases the most impressive public relations students on his website. For this year’s list, he sought out professorial nominations of graduating undergraduate students believed to be the best up-and-coming public relations professionals. Of the nominations, Hanson chose 22 students to be featured on his “PR Rock Stars of the Future” post.

Arnold, a journalism-public relations student who graduated with a 3.97 GPA, was the editor-in-chief of the “Bundle,” an online magazine, and recently was recognized as an outstanding senior by Baylor University faculty.

“I am both extremely honored and deeply humbled to have the privilege of representing the Baylor journalism program through this award,” Arnold said. “When I chose to major in journalism-public relations, all I knew was that I wanted to tell stories and tell them well. I could never have imagined the journey taking me here and am so grateful to those who have invested in me along the way.”

Neill’s other nominee, Ashton Brown, graduated with a 3.8 GPA, was a member of the Kappa Tau Alpha Journalism Honor Society and was honored by Baylor University faculty with the award for top public relations career portfolio.

“I am beyond honored by this recognition,” Brown said. “It certainly means a lot to be noticed this early into my career. I’d like to thank all of Baylor’s outstanding journalism, PR and new media faculty who provided me with wisdom and support over the past four years.”

The list featured public relations students from 10 different universities across the United States.

by Karyn Simpson, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT BAYLOR COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

The College of Arts & Sciences is Baylor University’s oldest and largest academic division, consisting of 25 academic departments and 13 academic centers and institutes. The more than 5,000 courses taught in the College span topics from art and theatre to religion, philosophy, sociology and the natural sciences. Faculty conduct research around the world, and research on the undergraduate and graduate level is prevalent throughout all disciplines.