Rising from the Ashes: How Western Washington University’s PRSSA Chapter Was Revived in 3 Months

Winter break of my sophomore year marked a pivotal moment in my college journey. Nestled on the couch with my laptop, I stumbled upon the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) website. A wave of excitement surged through me. “How am I just now discovering this?​”​​ I thought. The Society’s name sounded vaguely familiar, sparking memories of Western Washington University (WWU) once having a Chapter that went dormant during the pandemic. 

Exploring the site further, I discovered an upcoming Leadership Assembly in Seattle, Washington​​​​, just a few hours south of WWU. Captivated by the event’s potential, I registered without hesitation, eager to immerse myself in this new opportunity. 

Fueled by my newfound enthusiasm, I swiftly contacted the former WWU PRSSA Faculty Adviser after the break. Not long after, I teamed up with a few other journalism students to revive the WWU PRSSA Chapter. I was beyond grateful for the opportunity to create a space where classroom knowledge could seamlessly transition into real-world applications. 

However, reviving the Chapter was no easy feat. Starting from square one, we had about $500 and numerous outdated accounts to manage. Some of our initial tasks included updating the Chapter constitution, meeting with WWU PRSSA alumni, and dusting off the former Chapter’s platforms. 

Attending the PRSSA Leadership Assembly ignited my excitement for the WWU Chapter launch. Connecting with industry professionals and fellow PRSSA Chapters provided invaluable insights into the characteristics of a successful Chapter. One of my favorite sessions was the Chapter roundtable event, which offered a space for students to exchange ideas and best practices. My eagerness quickly turned into a mental countdown until the spring quarter started and the WWU PRSSA Chapter would officially launch. 

As the social media and communications coordinator, I identified Instagram as the most efficient platform for the Chapter to engage with students. Drawing parallels between my courses and officer roles, I quickly developed a strategic communication plan, created a style guide for all digital and print content, and made attractive visuals to enhance our social media presence. Within the first two months of relaunching the Chapter Instagram, we saw a 200% increase in overall engagement. 

In the early stages of our planning efforts, the other officers and I discussed how many events we wanted to host in the spring quarter. Unsure of what student engagement or interest would look like, we initially considered hosting just one or two events. However, a few weeks into the spring quarter, we finalized our quarterly calendar featuring nine events, including four PR agency tours and a variety of sessions with industry professionals. We were blown away by the students’ enthusiasm that came from this. 

Promoting our events and familiarizing our name among the student body was a top priority. By building rapport with professors, sending newsletters illustrating our progress and upcoming events to departments, putting up informational posters on campus, and continuously talking about the Chapter in our classes, we effectively increased awareness on campus. 

To further encourage student engagement and excitement on our Instagram, I created recap reels of agency tours, interactive content, and member spotlights. Additionally, by partnering with PRSA National Headquarters, our Chapter received 11 complimentary memberships, which we raffled off at events. This was a fun and effective way to increase our membership and help students see the benefits of joining PRSSA early on. 

While revitalizing a Chapter from the ground up was daunting at times, the reward of student engagement at our events made it all worthwhile. My involvement in the WWU PRSSA Chapter’s revitalization efforts has significantly deepened my understanding and application of public relations techniques and strategies. Throughout the quarter, I’ve enjoyed having a space to apply my knowledge and devise communication techniques to engage and excite students. 

By the end of the school year, I met with a student from another university who was diligently working to revive her school’s Chapter. As I recounted our revitalization process and shared what worked for us, I realized how far we’d come. Just six months ago, we were in these students’ shoes, and now we have a reestablished Chapter that’s stronger than ever and poised for continued growth. I felt honored to share our journey and contribute to the supportive family environment that PRSSA embodies. 

Sophie Cadran is entering her junior year at Western Washington University, where she is majoring in journalism with a focus on public relations. She is also minoring in human rights and completing a concentration in religion and cultural studies. This past spring, Sophie played a pivotal role in revitalizing the WWU PRSSA Chapter, which had gone dormant during the pandemic. In the upcoming academic year, she is excited to serve as the Chapter president, continuing to create a dynamic space where students can bridge the gap between academic learning and professional skills. 

This summer, Sophie is interning at a prominent PR agency in Portland, OR, where she is applying the knowledge and skills gained from her coursework and PRSSA experiences. Passionate about fostering connections and growth, she is eager to make a lasting impact in the field of public relations. You can connect with Sophie on LinkedIn

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