On September 10, Wilson Public Relations and the University of Memphis celebrated an exciting milestone with the ribbon cutting of the Wilson PR Student Engagement Zone inside the Meeman Journalism Building. This new space will serve as a hub for students studying public relations, giving them a professional environment to collaborate, work on client-based and group projects, and engage with the community.
A full-circle moment
Our founder and CEO, Beth Wilson, graduated from the University of Memphis in 2004. Since then, she has built Wilson PR into an award-winning communications firm and as served as an adjunct professor and mentor in the University’s public relations program. Supporting today’s students as they prepare to launch their careers is a full-circle moment – connecting Beth’s own journey to the next generation of storytellers.
The opening of the Wilson PR Student Engagement Zone symbolizes a return to the place where Beth first discovered her passion for public relations. Through this new space, Beth and our team are able to give back to the same program that helped shape her career.
The Engagement Zone will create opportunities for students to collaborate, explore client-based projects, and step confidently into the professional world. It reflects Wilson PR’s broader commitment to mentorship, education, and strengthening the Memphis community we are proud to call home.
Building on a strong foundation
The opening of the Engagement Zone also underscores the national recognition that the Unversity’s public relations program has received. As Dr. Matthew Haught, chair of the Department of Journalism & Strategic Media, noted at the ceremony, the program has earned consecutive Public Relations Society of America Silver Anvil Awards – the highest honor for undergraduate PR programs in the country.
The new space builds on this momentum, offering a dedicated environment where students can collaborate on real-world projects and develop skills they’ll carry into their careers.
Investing in the future
At Wilson PR, we’re proud that our team includes three University of Memphis alumni – a testament to the strength of the program and its ability to prepare professionals who are ready to make an impact. This partnership with the University reflects our belief that education and professional mentorship go hand in hand, and that investing in students builds stronger leaders and communities.
The Wilson PR Student Engagement Zone provides resources and space for collaboration and serves as a reminder to students that Memphis is a city where they can build meaningful careers, give back to their community, and lead with purpose.
As Beth often says, good PR isn’t only about strategy – it’s also about people. And “never stop learning” has always been at the core of Wilson PR. As such, we are thrilled to help create a space that places people, learning, and connection at the center.
The ribbon cutting was a proud moment for both Wilson PR and the University of Memphis, and we can’t wait to see how this new space inspires students to write their own stories of growth, leadership, and success.
