Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) launched its inaugural IPREX Global Communication Student Cohort last month. The official announcement was made during SJGC’s colloquium class. The partnership will provide students with practical experience in global communications while preparing them to perform in diverse, multicultural environments.
This initiative formally establishes a collaboration between SJGC and IPREX, a global communication network that connects public relations agencies around the world. The initial cohort will include junior and senior public relations students who will participate in a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and projects designed to broaden their understanding of international communication strategies and practices.
“We relish opportunities to assist our students in developing their global communication skills,” said Mira Lowe, SJGC dean. “This partnership with IPREX furthers our mission by allowing our students to gain valuable practical experience expected of practitioners who aspire to work and compete globally.”
During the semester, the cohort will be assigned various case studies and will strategize under the guidance of IPREX-affiliated professionals. The program will also include a virtual exchange component, allowing students to collaborate with peers from other IPREX partner institutions.
The partnership, facilitated by Heidi Otway, APR, CPRC, IPREX Americas regional president, and president and partner of locally-based SalterMitchell PR, will emphasize the importance of diverse perspective in global communication, while also developing professionals who are academically and practically equipped to address complex industry challenges.
In a LinkedIn post about the partnership Otway wrote, “I am so excited about this initiative to increase the number of Black and minority PR practitioners building careers at independent PR agencies across the U.S.”
The IPREX global communication student cohort will continue throughout the academic year, with plans for future expansion to include more students and partner institutions.
“This inaugural IPREX Cohort at FAMU will serve as a model that we can replicate and customize at other HBCUs,” Otway said.
As described on its website, IPREX defines itself as “the top global communications and PR network” by “leveraging the entrepreneurial energy, expertise and connections of the best PR and communications agencies.”
