Baylor University Associate Professor of Journalism, PR and New Media Is Named a Fellow in the Public Relations Society of America

Contact: Terry Goodrich, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-644-4155
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WACO, Texas (Aug. 6, 2020) – Marlene S. Neill, Ph.D., associate professor and graduate program director of Baylor University’s department of journalism, public relations and new media, has been named a member in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows.

PRSA is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. With more than 30,000 professional and student members, PRSA is represented collectively across the country by 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, as well as on nearly 375 college and university campuses through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

The status of Fellow is held by fewer than 2 percent of PRSA members.

“It is such an honor to be inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows, as some of my most influential mentors are members of this prestigious organization,” Neill said. “This designation will open new opportunities for service and mentoring the next generation of public relations professionals. I am grateful to so many friends and colleagues who made this possible through their mentorship, collaboration and support throughout my career.”

The College provides leadership and service to PRSA and the profession through a variety of programs and events.

Neill is chair-elect of the PRSA Educators Academy and the head of media ethics of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, a nonprofit educational association of journalism and mass communication educators, students and media professionals. She also is a research fellow at the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication, a research center at the Penn State University College of Communications

“I am so proud of Dr. Neill,” said Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media “She is very deserving of this award. This is a lifetime award and a testament to the fact that people have noticed her hard work and dedication to the public relations profession. Her research, teaching and work in the industry are being recognized. She is making a positive mark on society.”

Neill’s research interests include internal communication, public relations management and ethics. Her research has been published in the Journal of Mass Media Ethics, Public Relations Review, Journal of Communication Management and Journal of Advertising Education.

She received her Ph.D. in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin, her Master of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Missouri at Columbia, and her Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

Neill, who came to Baylor in 2006, previously worked in nonprofit and government public relations.

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 18,000 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 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 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

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