The following content was first published in the 2022-23 School of Communications annual report and was repurposed to share online.

ElonComm repeats PRNEWS, BEA recognition

For the second consecutive year, the School of Communications was named to the PRNEWS Education A-List, a competitive distinction shared this year by 50 U.S. institutions recognized for preparing future public relations and marketing professionals. The list bills itself as the “ultimate comprehensive guide dedicated to the best higher learning institutions for public relations and communications.”

Youssef Osman stands in front of a class making an expression with his hands.

Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts Youssef Osman addresses a class in McEwen Communications Building on the first day of the fall 2022 semester.

The 2023 list, officially released in November, was compiled by the PRNEWS editorial staff following an examination of curricula, diversity, faculty composition, academic awards and capstone courses. The group also considered on- and off-campus offerings, such as internships. Lastly, editors examined how the schools’ curricula reflected the changing nature of communication.

In its description of Elon, PRNEWS highlights the school’s requirement that all students take courses on strategic initiatives in media analytics and diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as the institution’s growing focus on health communications.

Additionally, the Broadcast Education Association, the premiere international academic media organization, released its second annual rankings in April celebrating consistent student success in the association’s Festival of Media Arts. ElonComm earned a second consecutive top-10 finish, placing ninth overall. In the 2023 student competition, Elon had four award-winning entries, including Charlie Breckenridge’s “Right Now, It’s Like This” music video that earned a Student Best of Festival award.

“National and regional awards burnish our reputation and provide immense value to the school,” Dean Kenn Gaither said. “We are immensely proud of our continued recognition, which is a reflection of the hard work and talent shown by our amazing students. Pairing their dedication with the mentoring of our faculty members is a powerful combination, and a reason why our School of Communications is among the best in the country.”