Public Relations Becomes an Academic Department

Posted in College of Arts & Sciences on June 14, 2012

After eight years as a major in the Department of Media Studies, Public Relations (PR) is now an independent academic department in the College of Arts and Sciences. PR has enjoyed steady growth and success, now boasting almost 100 majors and almost 50 minors.

Dr. Bonnie Riechert served as program director since 2008 and now is the PR department chair. She is supported by a strong faculty that includes Susan Barnes and Kevin Trowbridge.

Belmont PR students are very competitive for internships, employment opportunities, and graduate schools. The Belmont Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) was chartered in 2005 and has received numerous national awards. In March, the Belmont chapter hosted the Region 5 PRSSA Conference, attracting students from 14 chapters and several states. The new department is positioned to grow in the program’s already strong reputation as one of the best places to study PR.


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Ranked No. 7 in the Regional Universities South category and named for the fifth consecutive year as one of the top “Up-and-Comer” universities by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University consists of approximately 6,650 students who come from every state and 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs, a fact made evident in the University’s hometown, Nashville, where students served more than 60,000 hours of community service (valued at $450,000) during the last academic year. Belmont is also home to the World Cup champion Enactus team, a group of 42 student leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. With more than 80 areas of study, 23 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information visit www.belmont.edu