The Public Relations Council of Alabama/Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at the University of Alabama at Birmingham won two national awards at the annual meeting of the Public Relations Society of Alabama, held Oct. 18-20 in Orlando, Florida.
UAB brought home the Dr. F. H. Teahan Outstanding Chapter Award for Outstanding Student-Run Firm. The award honors the exceptional public relations campaigns, tactical work and professional execution developed by student-run firms for real-world and local nonprofit clients during the academic year. For the 2025-26 academic year, UAB students represented the nonprofit organizations Curt’s Closet, HARTT of Walker County, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School and Studio by the Tracks.
The category is a significant and important win for UAB, says Associate Professor Jacquelyn Shaia, J.D., Ph.D.
“This marks the second time UAB has placed in this category, and this award demonstrates the strength of the curriculum and student outcomes,” Shaia said. “The campaigns these students developed and implemented for their clients were outstanding in every way. It clearly shows that the students are career-ready to enter the field upon graduation. This kind of recognition uniquely positions these students for success and opportunity upon graduation.”
UAB also brought home, for the first time, the Dr. F. H. Teahan Outstanding Chapter Award for Outstanding Newsletter. This is the first time the chapter competed in this category, and it won the award the first year it produced a newsletter. National and state recognition of the chapter’s engagement and recruitment efforts through the newsletter reinforces students’ success in understanding an audience through research and analysis to effectively craft a message.
The Teahan awards are given in honor of Dr. F. H. “Chris” Teahan, a former PRSA vice president of Education and founding member of The Champions for PRSSA. The competition recognizes student excellence across multiple areas of chapter management, professional development and campaign execution. Student entries were judged by practicing professionals in the United States.
The PRCA/PRSSA at UAB chapter is a registered student organization and an extension of the academic public relations program in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Communication Studies. Students are provided with professional development and networking opportunities, including membership in both PRCA and PRSSA.