UNC Hussman named to 2024 PRNews Education A-List

PRNews has named the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media to its 2024 Education A-List that recognizes 20 U.S. schools and universities that are the best for career advancement in public relations and marketing communications. 

UNC Hussman public relations students partner with leading national brands every semester to develop strategic communication campaigns to advance their brand initiatives. Students have worked with high-profile brands including Serena Williams, NIKE, Meta, Chick-fil-A, General Motors and Nordstrom, among many others. Students also take on local nonprofits as clients, supporting their efforts in the community and delivering on the school’s mission of public service.

“The quality of the UNC Hussman public relations program is well-established within the industry,” said Raul Reis, dean of the school. “We’ve built a pipeline of top talent that a wide range of businesses and organizations tap each year.  Our graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact, to build successful careers and to grow into leadership roles that chart the course for the field.”

The seeds of the school’s public relations program were sewn when Carol Reuss joined the faculty in 1976. Reuss created a public relations course in 1980, and two years later public relations became a specialization within the school. Since that time, student interest and enrollment in public relations courses has grown in conjunction with the school’s advertising program to comprise more than 60 percent of UNC Hussman’s student population. 

“Our faculty bring decades of professional expertise classrooms to help ensure every student learns by hands-on experience with real-world clients,” said Associate Professor Lois Boynton. “Internships, special topic certificate programs and an in-house, student-led strategic communication agency all contribute to our students’ overall success. We’re proud to be recognized by PRNews.” 

“The Education A-List is the only editorial roster of its kind, dedicated to the most innovative higher learning institutions for PR & communications,” said Kaylee Hultgren, content director for PRNews. “This year’s esteemed list supports our view that PR and communications programs provide additional, high-quality training for professionals in the industry. Moreover, their continued evolution — through both a content and technological perspective — keeps apace with the real-world companies, organizations and new trends and specialties that are driving the industry forward.”