Student Organizations
Student professional organizations provide an important link to the professional world. Student chapters include American Advertising Federation, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Public Relations Society of America. Honor societies include Kappa Tau Alpha and Alpha Delta Sigma.
All of these groups meet periodically and are involved in projects. They bring speakers to campus, attend national and regional conferences and meet regularly with local chapters of their sponsoring professional organizations.
Many of the local organizations have special provisions for student attendance at their monthly meetings. Links forged by such contact have resulted in additional scholarship funds distributed to majors through the department. And introductions to professionals at such luncheons and meetings often provide vital associations leading to student internships and job placement.
American Advertising Federation
Adviser: Professor Joel Nichols
The AAF, the oldest advertising trade association, represents all facets of the industry. Its membership is comprised of the nation's leading advertisers, advertising agencies and media companies with more than 200 AAF college chapters and 6,500 students members. The AAF operates many programs, including the National Student Advertising Competition, the Most Promising Multicultural Students, the Vance and Betty Lee Stickell Student Internship Program, the Seventh District Mosaic Scholarship and the Jan Gardner Memorial Scholarship.
Students obtain real world experience through the annual American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition. Students research a product's strengths and potential buying audience. By joining the University of Memphis AdFed club, students interact with professionals from Memphis advertising agencies and network with advertising pros throughout the country.
National Association of Black Journalists
Adviser: Professor Otis Sanford
The NABJ is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals. It seeks to provide opportunities for black journalists in both the professional and student ranks and raises awareness about the importance of fairness in the workplace.
Public Relations Student Society of America
Adviser: Prof. Kim Marks Malone
PRSSA is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communiciations. Students are connected to more than 21,000 professionals. It advocated rigorous academic standards for public relations education, the high ethical principles and diversity in the profession. PRSSA is made up of more than 111,000 students and advisers organized into more than 300 chapters.
Society of Professional Journalists
Adviser: Dr. Tom Hrach
SPJ is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our national and out liberty. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry, works to inspire and education the next generation of journalists and protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.