The PRAM Student of the Year Award is sponsored by C Spire and bestowed to one student annually who exemplifies the professionalism, goals and ideals of the public relations profession. The winner is announced at the annual PRAM conference along with the runner-up, who receives the Outstanding PR Student Award sponsored by The Cirlot Agency.
2026 Student of the Year & Outstanding PR Student
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 Student of the Year will receive a $1,000 scholarship, reference letter from the PRAM president and more. The Outstanding PR Student will receive a $250 scholarship.
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 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
The 2027 deadline will be announced in fall 2026.
SCORING
The Scholarship Committee will evaluate applications and choose the Student of the Year and Outstanding PR Student 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 winners will be announced at the PRAM state conference.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT
Vanessa Lowe- Garcia, PRAM Vice President of Student Services
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2026
- Student of the Year – Caroline Flint, Mississippi State University
- Outstanding PR Student – Alice Ann Haab, Mississippi State University
2025
- Student of the Year – Rileigh Campbell, Mississippi State University
- Outstanding PR Student – Greta Allen, Mississippi State University
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.