Adena White, a 2007 Tech graduate, credits her campus involvement at Arkansas Tech as a contributing factor to her success in the public relations industry.
White is currently serving a three-year term as Director at Large of Membership for the Arkansas chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She has also served as chairwoman of the communications committee.
As a student, she was a member of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and served on the executive board her senior year. Upon graduating she immediately joined PRSA, the nation’s largest organization for public relations and communications professionals.
Now that White serves on the board, she hopes to emphasize the benefits of PRSA membership to public relations practitioners, including potential and current members, to help the chapter in its recruitment and retention efforts.
Helping the Arkansas chapter develop additional benefits for members is also on White’s agenda.
White is the director of marketing at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. Her bachelor’s degree is in speech communication and journalism with a public relations emphasis.
She was no stranger to the campus life scene. White worked as a resident assistant and was involved in PRSSA, Student Activities Board, Black Student Association, and the Tech Loyalty Fund Class of 2007 Steering Committee.
“Outside the classroom, there were plenty of ways to get involved at Arkansas Tech, whether it was being part of an organization related to my degree or helping with movie nights. These experiences prepared me for leadership roles at my job and as a volunteer,” White said.
“Inside the classroom, I had great speech communication and journalism instructors who were passionate about their work and who cared for their students.”
White advises current students interested in public relations to join PRSSA and ultimately PRSA, and to seek internships and other volunteer opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and as a way to network with professionals in the field.
“Students should realize that being a PR professional is about more than party planning and being a “people person.” Hone your writing skills, keep up with what’s happening in the news and in the public relations industry, and know the difference between goals, objectives, strategies and tactics!”
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