Belmont Public Relations Department Named Best in Tennessee

Department wins inaugural award at 39th Annual Parthenon Awards

Belmont’s Department of Public Relations has been honored as the first-ever "Best College/University Communications Department" by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nashville Chapter at the 39th Annual Parthenon Awards. 

The new award category was introduced by PRSA Nashville this year to highlight academic programs that demonstrate excellence in curriculum, faculty and student outcomes. This recognition affirms Belmont's reputation for producing career-ready graduates who are prepared to excel in corporate, nonprofit, agency and other sectors. 

"This recognition validates what we've seen for years — that our students are equipped to lead in a rapidly changing industry," said Dr. Kevin Trowbridge, APR, associate professor and chair of the Department of Public Relations. "Our program is built on a foundation of rigorous instruction, hands-on experiences and intentional mentorship. This award is a testament to the excellence-driven work of our faculty and students."

Belmont's student-centric approach was on full display at the event:

• Four recent Belmont PR alumni were recognized for earning the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations, an examination program administered by the Universal Accreditation Board, which allows graduates entering the profession to demonstrate a fundamental level of knowledge. Those graduates recognized included Reese Brosnan, Logan Gray, Ryleigh Green and Anna Love.
  
• Senior Karis Joe, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) vice president of events, was also recognized as the recipient of the annual PRSA Nashville scholarship. 
  
• Additionally, PRSSA student leaders Abby Johnson and Jed Mangrum volunteered their time to assist with the awards ceremony. Johnson is a senior and student director of Tower Creative Communications. Mangrum is a junior and director of hospitality for Belmont’s PRSSA chapter.

Belmont’s award entry showcased the Department’s comprehensive program, which includes:

• Hands-On Learning: Students gain real-world experience through client-based projects, working with community partners to develop and implement communication strategies. Students also have the opportunity to work in Belmont's nationally affiliated student-run firm, Tower Creative Communications.
  
• National Recognition: The University’s PRSSA chapter has received 17 consecutive PRSSA Star Chapter Awards, making it the only chapter to achieve this honor every year since the award's inception in 2009. Belmont students also won the PR University World Cup in 2023.
  
• Industry-Connected Faculty: The Department's five full-time faculty members, including three with APR accreditation, are deeply involved in the profession, holding leadership roles within PRSA and serving as mentors to both students and young professionals.

More than 200 communication professionals attended the 2025 Parthenon Awards ceremony, Aug. 22 at GEODIS Park, recognizing outstanding work across the Middle Tennessee public relations community. Each year since 1987, PRSA Nashville has honored exceptional projects, programs and thought leadership that demonstrate the highest standards of the profession.

This year’s Parthenon Awards were judged by panels of seasoned PR leaders, including the Public Relations Council of Alabama, PRSA Alabama, PRSA Independent Practitioners Alliance and the PRSA College of Fellows Board.