Name: Rebecca Stratton
Age: 22
Year: Senior
Major: Integrated Strategic Communications
Hometown: Fort Thomas, Ky.
Campus Celeb Status: President of the UK Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, and Student Government senator for the College of Communication and Information
HC: How and why did you first get involved with PRSSA here at UK?
RS: I heard about the Public Relations Student Society of America during my freshman year and attended their first meeting that fall semester. Although I knew it was an organization that I needed to invest in, I did not jump at the opportunity at becoming involved. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I joined the chapter. I took on leadership positions on the executive board my junior year as recruitment chair, then moved on to vice president during the fall semester of my senior year and president as a second-semester senior. I wanted to become involved in PRSSA because it is an incredible national student organization that not only enhances PR knowledge of its members, but it also builds connections between PR professionals and students. PRSSA helps give direction to students, allowing us to better prepare ourselves for the real world after college.
HC: What are your responsibilities as president?
RS: As president, I have the opportunity to work with an incredible executive board! Some of my personal responsibilities include connecting with the PRSA professional chapter of Lexington, overseeing all events that take place throughout the year, and directing meetings and delegating tasks to exec board members to provide the best young professional experiences to our members.
HC: As far as your role within student government, what accomplishment are you most proud of during your tenure in office?
RS: Giving back to student organizations through my senate special project is definitely one accomplishment I am most excited about. I was able to gain feedback from the leaders of the student organizations within the College of Communication and Information to better understand what it was we need to enhance student organization meetings in the Grehan building.
HC: What has been the most rewarding about serving in either of these roles throughout the past year?
RS: During my time in student government, I have found being able to talk with other students most rewarding. At the beginning of the fall semester, I had the opportunity to share my college experience within the College of Communication and Information with incoming freshman. I love helping others, and being senator for the college allows me to reach out to individuals and listen to whatever concerns they may have. I am able communicate directly with SGA, as well as the dean of the College of Communication and Information, to be a student voice for the college.
HC: What has been the most challenging aspect of each of these positions?
RS: Time commitment. Being involved and keeping up with class assignments takes organization and forces you to balance your time.
HC: What advice do you have for students at UK thinking about running for a leadership role within a student organization?
RS: My advice would be to run for a leadership role that is out of your comfort zone. Try something new! I was very intimidated about running for SGA and applying for president of PRSSA, but I got over that uncomfortable feeling and reassured myself I could take on these roles. Also, make sure that you have a passion for the organization in which you are running for a leadership role.
HC: How can UK students learn more about PRSSA and SGA at the university?
RS: To learn more about these organizations and what they do for students at the university, follow them on social media or just ask members of each of these to gain personal feedback. I love sharing what PRSSA and SGA do for the betterment of the university!