Mississippi State University

Mississippi State students swept numerous categories at the Public Relations Association of Mississippi's annual conference, including Student of the Year and Outstanding PR Student. Additionally, seven Awards of Excellence or Merit were given to MSU students for strategic programs during the April ceremony in Tupelo. PRAM is a statewide network of professionals and students who come together for networking opportunities, as well as to advance their knowledge of public relations by connecting with others in the field.

More than a dozen Mississippi State students won top awards at the 60th annual National Electronic Media Association Competition in April. MSU Communication Instructor Victoria Helena Bailey won first place for her news report, "Amory Plant Layoffs." Also, Bailey and Josh Foreman, a communication instructor, won first place in the production "other" category for Story State 2022: Fostering Innovative Storytelling. At this event, MSU won two of the six professional/faculty categories. Other MSU students won in a wide array of media categories. Since its founding in 1943, the NEMA has brought together college students and professionals in electronic media. NBS-level membership is open to all students with an interest in electronic media. Alpha Epsilon Rho, the national honor society for electronic media, recognizes the best students in the field. The organization is dedicated to help make the transition from student to professional efficient, effective and fun by sharing real-world experience and focusing on the ethical challenges they may face in the future.

Mississippi State students broke MSU records this year for their speech and debate skills. The MSU Speech and Debate Council, led by communication faculty member Cheryl Chambers and Office of Civil Rights Compliance Director Brett Harvey, garnered 250 awards and 52 individual event (speech) honors this year, both annual record highs. The team finished strong at the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament Qualifiers, hosted by Santa Ana College, with more students qualifying for the national event than in previous years.

Mississippi State students won top awards-and broke university records this year-at the International Public Debate Association National Championship Tournament this spring. The MSU Speech and Debate Council, led by Department of Communication Instructor Cheryl Chambers and Office of Civil Rights Compliance Director Brett Harvey, garnered 250 awards and 52 individual event (speech) honors this year, both annual record highs. The team finished strong at the IPDA National Championship Tournament, hosted by Boise State University, taking home several sweepstakes awards, including third-place season-long sweeps and third-place national tournament sweeps.