Acknowledging Excellence: Drake University’s Kelly Bruhn Joins PRSA College of Fellows
Dr. Kelly Bruhn, a prominent figure in public relations and a respected professor at Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC), has been honored with induction into the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows. This elite distinction is awarded to the most distinguished professionals in the field.
Remarkably, Bruhn is among only four living PRSA Fellows in Iowa, each with strong ties to Drake University. This achievement underscores the excellence of Drake’s SJMC in nurturing accomplished communicators. The other Iowa members of the College of Fellows include Kevin Waetke, Carol Bodensteiner, and Dr. Dave Remund, all of whom are Drake alumni. The late Ferne Bonomi, an influential figure in the PR community, also shared deep connections with Drake University.
Expressing her gratitude, Bruhn stated, “I am humbled to join this distinguished group and represent Drake’s public relations program on the national stage. This honor is a result of the collaborative community we have here. The fact that all living Iowa Fellows are connected to Drake is a powerful story about our program’s commitment to shaping leaders in the profession. For future communicators, the choice is clear: Drake is THE place to study public relations and create meaningful careers.”
About the PRSA College of Fellows
Founded in 1989, the PRSA College of Fellows includes more than 750 esteemed professionals and educators who have significantly contributed to the public relations field. Eligibility for this honor requires at least 20 years of professional experience, an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the profession, leadership, and community service.
Dr. Bruhn’s Contributions to Drake
Dr. Bruhn has been a catalyst for innovation at Drake, recognized for her interactive, project-oriented courses that offer students practical experience. Her students frequently achieve accolades at various levels for their campaign work, setting them up for prestigious internships and careers worldwide. In 2024, her exceptional contributions to education were acknowledged when she was named the PRSA Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Catherine Staub, Dean of the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication, remarked on the significance of this achievement, stating, “Induction into the College of Fellows is one of the profession’s highest honors, recognizing a career of leadership, ethical practice, and service. This acknowledges Dr. Bruhn’s national standing as a leader and her role in shaping the future of communications. Her induction into the College of Fellows is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions and a point of immense pride for our school.”
Drake SJMC: Pioneering Public Relations Education
Drake’s public relations curriculum is characterized by its commitment to practical experience, requiring students to participate in major courses and campus media from their initial semester. The program emphasizes strategic thinking, a global outlook, and ethical practices, culminating in a capstone project where students create an extensive campaign for a nonprofit organization. Notably, Drake’s SJMC is the only accredited journalism program at a private institution within the Midwest, and its public relations program is among only 50 worldwide with such accreditation.
The induction ceremony for the 2025 College of Fellows class is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27, ahead of the PRSA ICON conference in Washington, D.C.
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