Public Relations Student Society of America at Texas State University

In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) founded the Public Relations Student Society of America. The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.

The student society aims to foster the following:

• Understanding of current theories and procedures of the profession
• Appreciation of the highest ethical ideals and principles
• Awareness of an appropriate professional attitude
• Appreciation of Associate Membership in PRSA and eventually accredited membership

Today The Public Relations Student Society of America has more than 9,600 members in 284 universities across the country.

To serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities.

To serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.

The Public Relations Student Society of America humbly began with nine alpha chapters on November 11, 1968. We have since grown to include 284 Chapters and more than 9,600 members across the nation. So after 35 full years in business, we have the unique opportunity to set a course for the next stage of growth.

Accordingly, the PRSSA 2003-04 National Committee proudly announces its theme for the year and the vision for the future of the Society. The Committee encourages you to "Get Your G.E.A.R.S. in Motion!" If each Chapter focuses on Growth, Education, Advancement, Relationships and Students, then our Society's G.E.A.R.S. will turn more efficiently and more productively than ever.

Our mission statement explains why we exist, but our new vision explicates our direction. The G.E.A.R.S. vision is designed to excite members, to give them a frame for their work, and to help them understand how their actions fit into the overall goals of the mission statement.

The following vision statement to see how PRSSA is becoming the premier pre-professional organization for students in public relations.

G.E.A.R.S.

• Growth - Becoming the largest, most respected and widely recognized organization for pre-professional students with an interest in public relations
• Education - Enhancing the future professional through classroom preparation, leadership and experience
• Advancement - Moving the public relations profession forward through public awareness, meaningful ethics and diverse representation
• Relationships - Aligning with PRSA and forming a free interchange of ideas through professional relationships, practical training and mentoring
• Students - Providing members with national, regional and local opportunities to network, share ideas and grow professionally