Associate Professor
M.Ed., The University of Akron
Baldwin Wallace University is discontinuing the public relations major and is no longer accepting applications for this major. View all active majors and programs.
Prospective students: Students interested in attending BW should contact the BW Admission Office at (440) 826-2222, admission@chalakseir.com with any questions.
Current BW students: The University is committed to "teaching out" and supporting all students currently enrolled in the public relations major. Students should contact their academic advisor for scheduling courses.
OVERVIEW
Strategist. Catalyst. Creative visionary. Savvy communicator. Today's public relations professionals bring important skills to their role in marketing, media relations, event promotion, and digital and social media.
Baldwin Wallace's public relations program is comprehensive and experiential. It includes a broad-based foundation of communication courses that will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career.
Real-World Experiences
Through coursework and projects, you'll learn how to effectively develop and implement strategic and integrated communication plans using research and persuasive messaging.
A required internship allows you to apply classroom concepts to real-world situations and build a professional portfolio that showcases your work to prospective employers and graduate schools.
Public relations majors enhance their studies through internships and a variety of co-curricular activities. Miranda Jackson '15 leads tours for prospective students through the office of admissions.
CURRICULUM
What You'll Learn
The public relations program prepares you to:
- Define and apply the RACE model (research, action, communication, evaluation) to the public relations planning process
- Produce and assess a PR plan and campaigns
- Critique, plan and execute special events
- Plan effective internal and external communication strategies for an organization
- Identify elements of good design as well as create professional quality materials for personal and professional use
- Explain and apply influence tactics to real-world experiences
- Prepare and implement social media plans
- Create a personal branding strategy and professional portfolio you can use for internship, graduate school and employment interviews
See a full list of required courses and electives >
Communication Minors
You can complement your communication major with a minor in our newest programs:
- Social media production - an interdisciplinary program that incorporates writing, visual communication and marketing as tools to create strategic social media plans and tactics)
- Convergent journalism - a program that builds skills in interviewing, writing, social media, design and is closely integrated with BW's award-winning student newspaper as a learning laboratory)
- Other options for a communication-related minor include: communication studies, film studies and media production.
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Faculty mentoring is inherent to the program. BW professors and advisers in the public relations program are communication professionals with decades of real-world experience. They'll work closely with you to help you establish key networking contacts in the field and gain the experiences needed to land a first job.
BW's Award-Winning Radio, Newspaper, TV
You'll benefit from hands-on learning that includes BW's award-winning, on-campus media - The Exponent (student newspaper), WBWC 88.3 "The Sting" (radio station) and BWTV (program airing on local cable TV).
BW has a student chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), providing access to more than 100 area professionals.
Recent Places Where BW PR Students Interned
Student Clubs and Organizations
Digital Marketing Center (DMC)
A hybrid between a class and an internship, the Digital Marketing Center (DMC) is a student-run, experience-driven consultancy agency within the BW Carmel Boyer School of Business that offers digital marketing expertise to local businesses. Students develop effective, research-based inbound marketing strategy including website design, social media strategy, targeted digital content, automated email marketing plan and a marketing playbook. Through the Digital Marketing Center you can earn certifications in:
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Blueprint
- Hootsuite Platform
- HubSpot certifications
- Other industry-leading apps and tools
PR for Nonprofits
This annual event introduces students to possible careers in nonprofit public relations, marketing and development. Professionals share information about their careers and job responsibilities. Students can network to learn more about nonprofits, as well as seek internships and employment.
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
BW's PRSSA chapter is part of the national, pre-professional organization for the PR profession. Students benefit from professional networking, a national registry of internships, events and educational resources.
Lambda Pi Eta
This communication studies honor society serves as a point of distinction for high-achieving students as well as a sponsor for a service-learning initiative through BW's Habitat for Humanity.
Wordsmiths
A group of creative writers who are dedicated to strengthening their craft through discussion and critique, mutual respect and support for each other in their growth as writers.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
Annette Fetter '15 is assistant development director at Kidney Foundation of Ohio in Cleveland. Internships and on-campus jobs enabled her to identify a passion for non-profit public relations work and gain invaluable professional experience prior to graduation. Annette is from Stow, Ohio.
Hedy Francescangeli '15 is marketing assistant at Merit Brass Company in Cleveland. Diverse course offerings enabled her to explore opportunities in the field and identify her passion. Student organizations developed her leadership and communication skills. Hedy is from Brunswick, Ohio.
Chelsea Glosser '15 is social media associate editor at SSPR in Chicago. Internships and class projects enabled her to develop skills in social media marketing and build an impressive personal portfolio that helped her land a position upon graduation. Chelsea is from Beachwood, Ohio.
Kayla Starta '15 is client success manager at Enfusen in Akron, Ohio. Numerous BW co-curricular activities including PR club, digital marketing center and the arts management association enabled the Pittsburgh native to build her personal network and professional experience and get hired immediately after graduation.
Courtney Fraley '14 is Latin American marketing and sales associate at MTD Products in Valley City, Ohio. Courtney interned for two semesters at MTD while at BW and was hired by the company after she graduated. Courtney is from Mansfield, Ohio.
Lara Teigeler '14 is marketing specialist for OnX Enterprise Solutions in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Classroom learning paired with co-curricular activities, study abroad, internships and on-campus jobs provided the Perry, Ohio, native with an education that was both broad and practical.
Chelsea Kertes '13 is the convention and event experience coordinator at Destination Cleveland. She is pursuing a master's in sport management at Tiffin University. Chelsea is from Fairview Park, Ohio.
Rachel Switalski '13 is marketing associate for Gebauer Company in Cleveland. Diverse internship opportunities and close relationships with BW faculty and classmates have been crucial to her development as a person and a professional. Rachel is from North Royalton, Ohio.
Jennifer McPherson '12 is assistant marketing manager at Fire-Dex in Medina, Ohio. Internships and co-curricular activities provided valuable networking opportunities and professional experience and have enabled the Berea, Ohio, native to continue to advance in her career.
Joe Prada '12 is marketing coordinator at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Mentoring relationships with faculty, varied internship experiences, and support from career services helped him identify his goals and confidently launch his career. Joe is from North Olmsted, Ohio.
FACULTY
Full-Time Faculty
Julie A. Miller
Associate Professor
M.Ed., University of Akron
Adjunct Faculty
Nicole Follen
Lecturer
M.F.A., Kendall College of Art and Design
Tim Marshall
Associate Professor
Director, Digital Marketing Center
Burton D. Morgan Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship
M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Shannon Mortland
Lecturer
M.A., Gonzaga University
Kristen Glazer
Lecturer
M.Ed., Cleveland State University