Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
The Public Relations Student Society of America is a professionally-affiliated, national organization dedicated in providing mutually beneficial relationships between professionals and students. PRSSA members receive opprotunities to develop leadership and hone writing skills, while also having the option to attend various regional and national meetings, conferences, and networking events. Other benefits to being a PRSSA member includes exclusive internship information, and many resources providing information on the public relations industry.
Univeristy of Minnesota PRSSA - Willard Thompson Chapter
The Willard Thompson Chapter aims to serve members by expanding knowledge of public relations, providing access to professional development opportunities and offering leadership roles and responsibilities to members.
Through mutually beneficial relationships, students help each other by offering public relations knowledge and advice. Our members work together to better each other's undergraduate education and experience.
History of Dr. Willard L. Thompson
Dr. Willard L. Thompson, known by his peers as “Tommy,” served as assistant to the president, dean of general extension division, a chair for the school of journalism and mass communication’s advertising courses branch, and headed the university’s summer session during his 23 year term at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Dr. Thompson attended the University of Illinois to study Journalism and Mass Communications, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (1937), Master of Science (1949) and Ph.D. (1956) in the subject.
Thompson’s career includes working as a reporter for the Peoria Journal-Transcript, working as an advertising representative, wire editor and reporter for the Pekin Daily Times, serving for 4 years in the United States Army, president of Effingham Broadcasting Company, and general manager of WCRA radio station in Effingham.
During Dr. Thompson’s time at the University of Minnesota, he participated as a member of Minnesota’s chapter of PRSA and served as an advisor for the university’s PRSSA chapter. He also advised the university’s American Advertising Federation student chapter. In 1983, the Minnesota PRSA established the Dr. Willard Thompson PRSA Scholarship Fund, which continues to recognize promising students of public relations and members of the U of M’s PRSSA chapter.
