As an assistant professor, there are several responsibilities we have in order to get tenure at our respective universities. We have to of course produce research that is published in well respected journals, and we also have to be great teachers and be engaged in our classes with our students. The third part of the equation is service – whether it is for the university, community, or even professional community – it is an important element to what we do as professors.
For the last few years, I have been serving as a co-chair of the social media committee for the AEJMC PRD. I was invited to be part of the committee by its founder, Tiffany Gallicano, who set a fabulous presence and foundation for the committee. Tiffany was incredible to work with and follow her leadership.
The 2014-2015 Social Media PRD Committee. Back Row: Diana Sisson (PhD Student, University of South Carolina), Nicole Lee (PhD Student, Texas Tech), Carolyn Kim (Biola University), Melissa Janoske (University of Memphis), Geah Pressgrove (WVU), Patrick Merle (FSU), and Dave Remund (University of Oregon). Not pictured: Kelly VIbber (University of Dayton)
Since then, the committee has grown from two people to now eight. I am very excited about this upcoming year for the AEJMC PRD. We have six professors and two graduate students helping out this year. This is probably the biggest social media committee I know for an academic professional organization in PR, but the reputation and presence of the PRD increasingly grows each year. With this in mind, we have organized quite the “Social Media Dream Team” for the PRD.
So, what are some steps that are needed to take to create a “social media dream team?” Here are some things to consider:
- Having a strong digital presence: Making sure your fellow colleagues have a strong engagement factor not only for themselves, but for their research as well. All of the professors and students who are on the committee are actively engaged in digital and social media. This was one thing Tiffany had emphasized strongly when forming and adding more members to the committee.
- Great work ethic, creative strategic mindset, and being a team player: These professionals are awesome – they come up with creative ideas and are willing to put forth all they can for the committee. Dave came up with a great idea for the conference with shirts and buttons to give away on social media – and we had of course a lot of ideas related to content to post throughout the year from #PRProfChats and interviews with faculty, students, and practitioners (Geah, Melissa, and Dave).
- Reputation in the field: We have professionals who are well respected for both their professional and academic work. All of these professionals have a nice hybrid approach with PR – they all have published research, but also have experience applying this to the field as well.
- Have a diversity among members: From PR related interests, experiences, and even locations – we each bring something new and unique to the table. We are also coming in from all aspects in the field as well as locations – we have representation from West Coast, East Coast, South, and Midwest.
Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better team. They are truly the best in the business – no question! It’s been great to see how this committee has grown and evolved and I am really excited to work with each and every one of these professionals. Make sure to check out our Twitter (@AEJMC_PRD), Instagram (@AEJMCPRD), and Facebook for the latest updates.
Have a great day, everyone!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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