UGA’s Advertising and Public Relations program recognized as top five in nation

For the second consecutive year, the University of Georgia’s Advertising and Public Relations program has been named a top five finalist for Outstanding Education Program in the nation by PRWeek, one of the leading publications in the public relations industry.

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a finalist for the award which evaluates programs based on faculty, student body, programs and courses, workforce impact and professional involvement/association.

“We’re deeply honored to be included in PRWeek’s Top 5 Programs,” said Charles N. Davis, dean of Grady College.  “It’s a reflection of a lot of hard work and consistency over the years and that makes it all the better.”

The top education award will be announced at a PRWeek gala in New York City on March 13, 2025. Programs joining UGA in the top finalists include DePaul University, University of Alabama, University of Florida and University of Southern California.

“I am thrilled to receive the wonderful news that the University of Georgia named a finalist in the 2025 PRWeek Awards in the Outstanding Education Program category,” said Juan Meng, a UGA Athletic Association Endowed Professor and head of the AdPR department. “This marks our second time making to the finalist of this prestigious recognition, along with other great AdPR programs in the country. This recognition further showcases the accomplishments and collaborative efforts made by our students, faculty, alumni, industry partners and many more. What a great way to wrap up a productive year!”

In addition to being a top contender for the Outstanding Education Program category, several UGA public relations students have submitted projects to be considered for the Outstanding Student of the Year. In March, recent UGA graduate Esther Kim (AB ’24) was named the Outstanding Student in the nation during a ceremony in New York City.

The requirements for the Outstanding Education Program are data- and outcome-driven to showcase the best work the program has produced over the past academic year. The awards entry committee used this as reflective learning to gather information and talk to recent graduates and industry recruiters. Meng worked with several AdPR faculty to prepare the entry for this year’s awards.

The Outstanding Education Award is one of more than 45 awards presented by PR Week that celebrate the best of the best in corporate, agency, nonprofit and education teams, as well as the work produced during the entry period.

“At such a heightened time of geopolitical conflict, economic uncertainty, antagonistic social climates and revolutionary technological upheaval, it has never been more important to celebrate the role of PR and communication in navigating these challenges,” said Steve Barrett, VP, editorial director of PRWeek.

For more information about the 2025 PRWeek Awards, please visit PRWeekAwardsus.com.

Author: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu