Lipscomb connects students and local public relations professionals at PR+ Conference on campus
Lacey Klotz |
The Lipscomb University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, housed in the Department of Communication and Journalism, held its second PR+ Conference on Thursday, April 21, in partnership with the Nashville chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
Nearly 60 students and local PR professionals from companies such as HCA, Lowes, Vanderbilt, the Tennessean, Russell Athletic, DVL Seigenthaler, McNeely Piggot & Fox, among others, attended the student-led conference that was located in Lipscomb’s Ezell Center. 
Tom Glover, vice president of supply chain and quality communication for Johnson & Johnson, was the keynote speaker for the event and spoke on corporate communication and storytelling.
Glover shared how he works in collaboration with business-based communicators to engage and build trust with multiple stakeholder groups to enhance Johnson & Johnson’s global reputation.
He also shared how he recently coordinated a number of promotional videos in the evolution of the parental leave policy that Johnson & Johnson has implemented this year.
During the event, two panels made up of local PR professionals discussed topics including “Digital Influence as a Strategic Priority” and “Perfecting the Audience-Centered Approach through Diversity and Innovation.”
Session I panelists included:
- Moderator: Kellie Davie, director of public relations, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
- Aaron Clifford, senior director of digital marketing solutions, HCA
- Meryl Johnson, director of digital strategy, country music association
- Annakate Tefft Ross, director of digital services, mp&f/d
- Tyrus B. Sturgis, senior communication specialist, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry - The United Methodist Church
- Emily Weiss, director of corporate communication, Ingram Content Group
Session II panelists included:
- Moderator: Courtenay Rogers, president, Nashville American Marketing Association
- Bryan Huddleston, president and CEO, Nashville Technology Council
- Ashley Lawal, founder and editor, Urbaanite.com
- Stacey Nickens, account supervisor, DVL Seigenthaler
- Sylvester Peoples, marketing manager, Russell Athletic
- David Plazas, engagement editor, The Tennessean
At the conclusion of the event, Lipscomb’s chapter of PRSSA presented Linda Peek Schacht, executive director of the Nelson & Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership, the inaugural PR+ Pioneer Award. 
Schacht is a leader-in-residence, associate professor of practice and a strategic advisor to the dean in Lipscomb’s new College of Leadership & Public Service.
She is also founding director of the Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership, coordinated a restructuring of the department of communication and journalism in 2010 and serves as an associate professor of communication and political science.
Schacht has advised government, business and nonprofit leaders on communication and strategy over a four-decade career.
During her acceptance speech Schacht shared how significant it is to not only be a pioneer in an industry, but to be a game changer as well.
“If you want to make a change, have the courage to raise your voice, have the courage to break down barriers and be your own pioneers,” said Schacht.
The PR+2016 conference was presented by Lipscomb’s Department of Communication and Journalism in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and sponsored by Delta Dental, as well as Ingram Content Group, McNeely Piggott & Fox, Google and Eventbrite.
Proceeds from the conference will go toward helping Lipscomb University students attend the 2016 PRSSA International Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
For more information on Lipscomb’s Department of Communication and Journalism visit: communication.lipscomb.edu.