After eight years as a major in the Department of Media Studies, Public Relations (PR) is now an independent academic department in the College of Arts and Sciences. PR has enjoyed steady growth and success, now boasting almost 100 majors and almost 50 minors.
Dr. Bonnie Riechert served as program director since 2008 and now is the PR department chair. She is supported by a strong faculty that includes Susan Barnes and Kevin Trowbridge.
Belmont PR students are very competitive for internships, employment opportunities, and graduate schools. The Belmont Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) was chartered in 2005 and has received numerous national awards. In March, the Belmont chapter hosted the Region 5 PRSSA Conference, attracting students from 14 chapters and several states. The new department is positioned to grow in the program’s already strong reputation as one of the best places to study PR.
