Belmont PRSSA Wins 16th Consecutive Star Chapter Award

Only chapter nationally to earn award every year since inception 

Belmont’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) continued its 16-year streak of excellence at the recent PRSA/PRSSA International Conference in Anaheim, California. The Chapter again received the prestigious Star Chapter Award, making Belmont PRSSA the only chapter among more than 300 nationwide to receive the honor every year since it was first awarded in 2009. 

The Star Award recognizes a chapter that meets the majority of 11 criteria outlined by the PRSSA for community service, university outreach, chapter growth and client work. 

Additionally, Belmont PRSSA professional advisor Keith Miles — retired MP&F Strategic Communications partner — received his fourth PRSSA Teahan Award for outstanding professional advisor at the conference. 

"Witnessing Keith Miles receive the Teahan Award was an honor," said senior public relations major Anna Love, co-president of Belmont PRSSA. "His unwavering support and guidance have shaped Belmont PRSSA, and we are so fortunate to have him as a mentor. His recognition at the conference was a proud and well-deserved moment for all of us."

The five-day conference featured keynote speakers and smaller breakout sessions covering various aspects of the public relations landscape including entertainment, sports, research and artificial intelligence. 

For co-president and senior public relations major Ryleigh Green, who has led the Chapter alongside Love the past two years, the event represented the culmination of dedicated leadership following the pandemic. 

“We wanted to establish PRSSA as a robust presence on campus with strong leaders that seeks to benefit its members and the Belmont community,” she said. “We had to rebuild our base after COVID, and I think we’ve done that very well.” 

Under Green and Love’s leadership, the Chapter has not only strengthened its campus presence but has also seen increased participation at events. 

“The scariest thing for me is being two minutes out from the start of an event and the room being empty, but we haven’t had that,” said Green. “I’m proud that we have been able to set ourselves up well for these events and prove to ourselves that we can do it.” 

The co-presidents now have their sights set on horizons beyond Belmont. 

“Now we are working on establishing and maintaining national credibility and acclaim,” said Green. “We are working on applying for the community service award and connecting with more public relations firms in the broader Nashville community.” 

With its latest recognitions, strong leadership and expanding professional connections, Belmont PRSSA is positioned to continue its legacy of achievement while opening new doors for future public relations professionals.