Erin Garrett
OXFORD, Miss. – Erin Garrett, communications specialist for the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in Oxford, has successfully completed her Accreditation in Public Relations certification.
“Pursuing my accreditation has been a challenging, but highly rewarding journey,” said Garrett, a native of Oxford. “I first knew that I wanted to become accredited after speaking with my former public relations professor and APR mentor, Robin Street. I am honored to now be included among a group of stellar practitioners who are striving to uphold the standards of our profession.”
The APR is awarded to public relations professionals who successfully complete the rigorous process, which includes presenting their portfolio to a readiness review panel and sitting for a computer-based examination. Through this process, candidates are assessed in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities.
“Earning the APR reflects a mastery of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in our increasingly complex profession,” said John E. Forde, a PRSA fellow and 2015 chair of the Universal Accreditation Board. “Practitioners who achieve the designation are demonstrating their commitment not only to our profession, but also to a strong code of ethics and to the betterment of their organization and clients.”
Some 40 professionals in Mississippi are accredited, with three at Ole Miss. Garrett said she is thankful for the support that the School of Pharmacy provided during the process.
“We are extremely proud of Erin for earning her accreditation,” said David D. Allen, the school’s dean. “She has been an asset to our school during her time here.”
Responsible for all communication efforts within the School of Pharmacy, Garrett manages the school’s website, newsletters, social media and magazines. She serves as vice president of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi’s Oxford-Ole Miss chapter.
Garrett has been a member of PRAM for five years. In 2011 she was named Outstanding PR Student by the organization. She has also been recognized with a PRAM Certificate of Achievement for her work.
She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a public relations emphasis in 2011 from UM.