Journalism
instructor Robin Street has completed the national Accreditation in
Public Relations exam, earning the APR designation administered by the
Public Relations Society of America.
This designation is the
only certification program open to public relations professionals.
Street joins fewer than 30 public relations professionals in
Mississippi who have earned the designation.
APR is a “mark of distinction that only a few public relations professionals in the nation hold,” said Kim Collins, president of Kim Collins Public Relations in Tupelo. Collins, who is APR certified, serves as APR coordinator for northern Mississippi.
“Earning the APR designation is quite an honor and testimony to the hard work and professionalism Robin has dedicated to the public relations profession,” Collins said.
The APR process requires passing two exams. Candidates must prepare a written portfolio and make a presentation to a panel of judges. If they pass the review, candidates then take a four-hour test. Less than half of people who go through the process pass it.
Street’s accomplishment is “extremely important and is yet another marker in our department’s journey to combine the professional world with the academic world, which I believe is the best combination to prepare students for the market place,” said Samir Husni, journalism chair.
Street joined the faculty in 1990. She has served the Public Relations Association of Missis-sippi as president of the local chapter and member of the state board of directors. She was designated a Senior Practitioner by the Southern Public Relations Federation last summer for her professionalism, high ethical standards and experience in the field.