PRAM Student of the Year Award
The PRAM Student of the Year Award is bestowed to one student annually who exemplifies the professionalism, goals and ideals of the public relations profession. The winner will be announced at the annual PRAM conference, which takes place April 13-15 in Biloxi.
All nominated students, including the winner, will be recognized during the awards program and receive a certificate of achievement, press release sent to the newspaper of the student’s choice and the opportunity to network with PRAM professional members at the conference. Additionally, the winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, reference letter from the PRAM president and more.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the award, students must meet the following requirements:
· Be an undergraduate at a Mississippi university or college that offers at least one course with the words ‘public relations’ in the course title,
· Be a full-time student,
· Completed at least one course with the words ‘public relations’ in the title in the past year,
· Be a public relations, communication, journalism or marketing communications major.
Students who have already received the Student of the Year Award are not eligible to be nominated again.
INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY
Any university or college offering at least one course with the words “public relations” in the course title is eligible. Each eligible university/college may have more than one student nominee.
EDUCATOR ELIGIBILITY
Educators who teach at least one course with the words “public relations” in the title at an eligible university or college may participate. Only one nominee will be accepted annually from each eligible nominating professor/instructor.
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Student of the Year Application: Must be completed by the student through the PRAM Awards portal.
2. Letter of Recommendation: Must be written by the student’s nominating professor/instructor. This letter should be no more than one page on university/college letterhead.
3. College Transcript: An unofficial transcript (PDF)
4. Headshot: To be used at the awards presentation and for publication
4. Must attend the PRAM state conference. The nominee must attend the Student of the Year Award luncheon during the PRAM state conference on April 15, 2025, or forfeit all nominee benefits and the chance to compete for the Student of the Year Award and scholarship. Conference registration information can be found at www.pramonline.org.
DEADLINE
Materials must be submitted via the PRAM Awards portal by 11:59 p.m. on March 2, 2025.
SCORING
The Scholarship Committee will evaluate applications and choose the Student of the Year winner from among the student nominees. Each applicant’s score is based on the following criteria:
Academic Excellence (GPA & PR classes) 15%
Academic Achievements (honors & awards) 15%
Public Relations Activities (PR organizations & memberships) 15%
Public Relations Experience & Achievement (internships, awards & honors) 15%
Letter of recommendation from nominating professor/instructor 15%
Campus Involvement (outside of public relations activities) 10%
Community Service 10%
Articulation of future goals 5%
AWARD NOTIFICATION
Each nominee and nominating professor will be contacted after receipt of the application regarding conference registration. The winner will be announced at the PRAM state conference.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT
Bethany Shipp, PRAM Vice President of Student Services
662-325-9313
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2024
Student of the Year – Chloe Evans, Mississippi State University
Greg Raimondo Outstanding PR Student – Matteo Mauro, Mississippi State University
2023
Student of the Year – Zoie Henson, Mississippi State University
Greg Raimondo Outstanding PR Student – Reagan Young, Mississippi State University
2022
Student of the Year – Flora Dedeaux, Mississippi State University
Greg Raimondo Outstanding PR Student – Laken Laird, Mississippi State University
2021
Student of the Year – Karie Pinnix, Mississippi State University
Greg Raimondo Outstanding PR Student – Abbie Kate Hancock, Mississippi State University
2020
Student of the Year – Marisa Laudadio, Mississippi State University
Greg Raimondo Outstanding PR Student – Karsyn King, University of Mississippi
2019
Student of the Year – Kali Hicks, Mississippi State University
Greg Raimondo Outstanding PR Student – Davis Roberts, University of Mississippi
2018
Student of the Year – Taylor White, Mississippi State University
Outstanding PR Student – Lauren Case, Mississippi State University
2017
Student of the Year – Rachel Anderson, The University of Mississippi
2016
Student of the Year – Kathryn Duke, The University of Southern Mississippi
Outstanding PR Student – Tori Lynn Olker, The University of Mississippi
2015
Student of the Year – Christine B. Bowman, Mississippi State University
Outstanding PR Student – Chelsea E. Dillard, Mississippi State University
2014
Student of the Year – Ashley Dillard – Mississippi College
Outstanding PR Student – Karelia Schmitz – University of Southern Mississippi
2013
No awards conferred.
2012
Student of the Year – Kristie Warino – University of Mississippi
Outstanding PR Student – Foster Page – Mississippi State University
2011
Student of the Year – Elizabeth Fine – Mississippi State University
Outstanding PR Student – Erin Parsons – University of Mississippi
2010
Student of the Year – Kayla Bradley – Mississippi State University
Outstanding PR Student – Jennifer Puhr – Mississippi State University
Prior to 2010, PRAM awarded a scholarship to a deserving student nominated by a professor.