PR Student Takes Full Advantage of a ‘Career Transformational’ Moment

  By Sophie Cadran “This is one of those moments that could be transformational in your career.”  No pressure, right?  I did my research. I made my list of people I wanted to meet. As the room began to fill with students and professionals, I spotted a woman standing alone at a table and thought, “Here we go.”   As a…… Continue reading PR Student Takes Full Advantage of a ‘Career Transformational’ Moment

Chicago is No ‘Second City’ When it Comes to PR

  Chicago was the epicenter of public relations last week with five major events and announcements. Bright and early on Thursday, some 25 educators and PR leaders gathered for the first meeting of Plank Partners. The new Plank Center affiliate brings together like-minded individuals who want to make a difference and help empower and advance…… Continue reading Chicago is No ‘Second City’ When it Comes to PR

Premier Mentorship Event Salutes 5 PR Leaders

  After a pandemic-required hiatus last year, the Plank Center’s “Milestones in Mentoring Gala” returns this November as both an in-person and virtual event you’ll not want to miss. Dubbed by many past attendees as the “PR party of the year,” the Milestones gala will honor five influential leaders who are known for their commitment…… Continue reading Premier Mentorship Event Salutes 5 PR Leaders

Plank Center: Shaping Next Generation of Leaders

By Christine Albrecht There’s a fair amount of pressure that comes along with serving as leaders for a center devoted to leadership! Luckily, the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations is led by a dedicated board, volunteers and small staff of dedicated professionals and academics. Karla Gower, Joanne Bischmann and Colleen Dolan sit at…… Continue reading Plank Center: Shaping Next Generation of Leaders

PR Leaders Predict Communications World of 2023

By Colleen Dolan For many, including myself, starting a job in the pandemic has been different. You may not get to meet all of your coworkers face-to-face, and you might miss out on big events and being able to network in person. Fortunately, a panel discussion hosted by my new employer provided important perspective about…… Continue reading PR Leaders Predict Communications World of 2023

Emerging Leaders Offer Tips for Pandemic Life—Professional and Personal

By Will Bradley With the summer officially kicking off — albeit masked, socially-distanced and mostly home-based — the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations recently launched a new online panel series, streamed live on the Center’s Facebook page and titled “Plank Summer Sessions.” The series, focused on topics relevant to the current world of…… Continue reading Emerging Leaders Offer Tips for Pandemic Life—Professional and Personal

David Dozier: ‘Ethical PR Starts by Changing Organizations From The Inside’

Dr. David M. Dozier, professor emeritus at San Diego State University, will receive the “Milestones in Mentoring” Educator Award this week from the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations. Dr. Dozier is one of our profession’s highest regarded scholars. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 books, book chapters, articles and academic papers,…… Continue reading David Dozier: ‘Ethical PR Starts by Changing Organizations From The Inside’

Matt Harrington’s Routine to Strengthen Leadership Skills: ‘Copious Amounts of News Consumption’

Long-time Edelman executive Matthew Harrington will receive the “Milestones in Mentoring” Agency Award next Thursday evening during the annual celebration of outstanding mentors in Chicago. Matt offers important leadership and mentorship advice in the following interview with the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations: What is your mentorship approach and what advice do you…… Continue reading Matt Harrington’s Routine to Strengthen Leadership Skills: ‘Copious Amounts of News Consumption’

Kelly McGinnis’ Advice to Mentees: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, Become a Utility Player, Be Open Minded

Kelly McGinnis attributes hard work and confidence for the career success she has achieved over the past two decades. Along the way, she also puts high priorities on family, friends and her profession. Before becoming Chief Communications Officer for Levi Strauss & Co., Kelly was vice president of global communications at Dell. Prior to Dell,…… Continue reading Kelly McGinnis’ Advice to Mentees: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, Become a Utility Player, Be Open Minded

Kim Hunter’s ‘Wake-Up Call’ to PR: Become Inclusive

Few communication leaders have done as much as Kim Hunter to advance the number of minorities in public relations, advertising and marketing. In addition to his long career that includes key corporate and agency roles, Kim founded three organizations focused on communications, recruiting and scholarship philanthropy. Each role is significant, but Kim’s LAGRANT Foundation likely…… Continue reading Kim Hunter’s ‘Wake-Up Call’ to PR: Become Inclusive