Exploring the PR Classroom of the Future

Join the Greater Fort Worth PRSA Chapter as it explores “the PR Classroom of the Future” during the group’s December luncheon.

Texas Christian University professors Dr. Julie O’Neil and Margaret Ritsch, APR, along with University of Texas at Arlington professor Dr. Shelley Wigley will share their perspectives on changing technology, innovative classroom approaches, and what the public relations profession can expect from graduates of their programs.

This luncheon, the last for 2013, will also feature the presentation of chapter awards and student scholarships, plus a special presentation by the chapter historian.

Wednesday, December 11 • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Colonial Country Club (3735 Country Club Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76109)

Complimentary valet parking provided!

Click here to register.

Cost:

• GFW PRSA Members – $25
• National PRSA Members – $30
• Non-members – $35
• Students – $20

Walk-ups: Add an additional $5 to the above prices

To account for additional costs associated with walk-ups and other meeting services, the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA uses the following reservation policy: Online reservations are due no later than 5 pm the Friday prior to the luncheon, and cancellations must be made by 5 p.m. the day before the luncheon. No-shows will be billed or a representative may attend in that person’s place at no additional charge. Walk-ups are accepted for an additional $5 if space is available.

Speaker’s Bios:

Dr. Julie O’Neil
Dr. Julie O’Neil, associate professor and director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication graduate program, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in public relations, research and evaluation, social media measurement and corporate social responsibility at Texas Christian University. Her areas of expertise include measuring and evaluating communication programs and corporate social responsibility. She has published close to 20 research articles and white papers in leading academic and professional public relations journals and is the recipient of many conference awards. A former PRSA Board member in both Fort Worth and San Antonio, O¹Neil currently serves on the Measurement Commission of the Institute for Public Relations, the editorial board of the Public Relations Journal, the International Public Relations Research Advisory Committee and as co-chair of PRSA’s National Research Committee.

Margaret Ritsch, APR
Margaret Ritsch, APR, is the faculty advisor for Roxo, a student-driven agency for strategic communication at Texas Christian University. This fall she also became a Coleman Fellow, a program of the Coleman Foundation and the Neeley School of Business that introduces students to concepts of self-employment and entrepreneurship. In her 20-year career, Ritsch has directed public relations and communications for a thriving ad agency, a science museum, two companies and a journalism association; worked as a reporter for newspapers in Virginia; and run her own consulting business while raising a family. Ritsch has provided strategic and tactical public relations services to clients in a range of industries, from a regional bank and pharmaceutical company to a natural gas industry group and a private foundation. Ritsch earned a master’s degree in journalism and a certificate in African Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of William and Mary. She has served in a variety of leadership positions with the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA, most recently as leader of the Worthy Awards.

Dr. Shelley Wigley
Dr. Shelley Wigley, assistant professor of public relations at The University of Texas at Arlington, teaches courses in the undergraduate public relations sequence and currently teaches Theories of Persuasion at the graduate level. Wigley’s research interests include crisis communications, corporate social responsibility and media relations. She has published articles in several journals including Communication Monographs, Communication Research, Public Relations Review and Corporate Reputation Review. Wigley earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.