About Us
The Beginning:
In summer 2008, James Madison University’s Dr. Corey Hickerson of the School of Communication Studies attended a social media-focused event in Chicago where he met Michael Krempasky, the head of Edelman’s Digital Public Affairs team based in Washington, DC. Hickerson — who understands the importance of social media and frequently introduces students to tools like blogs and Twitter in his classes — talked with Krempasky about ways to bring Edelman’s digital expertise to the students at James Madison University.
Little did Hickerson know that Edelman had hosted the company’s first ever bootcamp-style training course about digital media earlier that year for students at The University of Georgia. Both agreed that holding this type of seminar would be a great way to introduce JMU students to the uses of digital media in the public relations field. And so it began….
The Result:
Edelman selected the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. to host the second Edelman Digital 101. JMU’s facilities will be used Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 to host representatives of Edelman, as well as students from around the campus to come together for two days of discussion and growth in the ever-expanding world of social media. Edelman is working with students in Dr. Frank Kalupa’s and Dr. Corey Hickerson’s classes to plan and execute the event.
As a pioneer in the realm of social media, Edelman recognizes the opportunity and responsibility to take its expertise of this growing medium to college campuses around the nation. The goal of these events is simple: to educate young professionals about the uses of social media to further their understanding as they enter the public relations workforce.
Who We Are:
Edelman is the world’s largest independent public relations firm, with more than 3,200 employees in 51 offices worldwide. Edelman was named PRWeek’s “2009 Agency of the Year,” PRWeek’s “Large PR Agency of the Year” (three times in the last four years), Holmes Report’s “2008 Global Agency of the Year,” and listed as a top-10 firm in Advertising Age’s “2007 Agency A-List,” the first and only PR firm to receive this recognition. In 2007, CEO Richard Edelman was honored as “Agency Executive of the Year” by Advertising Age, and he was cited in 2007 and 2008 as “Most Powerful PR Executive” by PRWeek. For more information about Edelman visit www.edelman.com. For more information, visit www.edelman.com.
James Madison University’s public relations program is housed in the School of Communication Studies, which offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Hands-on experience, internship opportunities, study abroad and case studies prepare its students for successful careers in public relations. The program was awarded with Honorable Mention as the 2009 Education Program of the Year at the PRWeek Awards. For more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/commstudies/.
