OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi journalism instructor Robin Street has been named PR Educator of the Year by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi.
The award, which was presented to Street at a luncheon last week, is given for excellence in teaching, as well as scholarly work and service to the community and university.
PRAM president Pete Smith presented the award.
“We are honored to have Robin represent PRAM as our 2009 Educator of the Year,” Smith said. “(She) embodies the qualities we all hope for in a teacher. She is a counselor, a mentor, an adviser and a friend to everyone who enters her classroom. She is devoted to the highest standards of PR professionalism and shares her passion with future practitioners every day. Throughout her career, she has proven to be a champion for her students and the field of public relations.”
Street’s former students wrote letters supporting her nomination.
Lindsay Presley of Fort Smith, Ark., a senior majoring in marketing communications, said, “Out of all my teachers at the University of Mississippi, Mrs. Street has left the most lasting impression. It is because of her that I feel confident about entering the work force after graduation.”
Susan Powell of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., also a senior majoring in marketing communications, said she was inspired to pursue a career in public relations after taking one of Street’s classes.
“Professor Street’s passion for the field of public relations spills over into her students, and I have thoroughly enjoyed having her as both a professor and a mentor,” Powell said. “I cannot think of a faculty member that is more deserving of this incredible recognition.”
Street joined the faculty in 1990 and coordinates the department’s PR emphasis. She has served the Public Relations Association of Mississippi 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.
For more information on journalism education at Ole Miss, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/journalism/ .