The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. This milestone event honored the legacy of Sammie Lynn Puett, a beloved professor and influential figure in the field of public relations. The celebration brought together past and present members, reflecting on the chapter’s rich history and its impact on students’ professional development.
Ellen Liston (‘84) graduated with a degree in journalism and a concentration in public relations before public relations and advertising were ever a major at UT. Liston is now the PR manager for the Dollywood Company and a liaison to PRSSA.
While attending UT she was president of the Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter.
Reflecting on her college experience with PRSSA, Liston said, “It was a brand new chapter when I graduated forty years ago. When I got involved, I was a junior. Who would have ever thought that forty years later I’d still be here celebrating?”
Established in 1974, the PRSSA Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter has been a cornerstone for students pursuing careers in public relations and communications. Over the past five decades, the chapter has provided numerous opportunities for students to develop their skills, network with professionals, and gain practical experience through various events and initiatives.
Liston stated, “What a great testimony to the mind of Sammie Lynn Puett, who I knew when I was a student. She was around and very involved. She was definitely a hero of mine and someone that you aspired to be. I think she would be thrilled that the chapter is still thriving and how PR has grown as its own major.”
Puett’s dedication to education and her passion for public relations have left a lasting mark on the chapter’s past and present members. Her legacy has also inspired Liston to give back to the organization as a liaison.
“I have a real love for students. I think one of the most important things you can do is never quit learning,” she said.
Liston added, “Hopefully I can impart a little wisdom, but I always feel like I learn more from students. And I love the energy of a college campus”
Puett’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of students to excel in their chosen careers.
Drue Hamlet, a senior studying public relations, is currently serving as the president of PRSSA.
“I got involved with the Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter during my sophomore year when I transitioned from journalism to public relations. I started as the membership chair, transitioned into the vice president role during my junior year, and now I serve as the chapter president,” she explained.
Hamlet believes that the chapter has opened many doors for her since she became a member.
“PRSSA has given me endless opportunities over the past three years to network with professionals, travel across the country, engage with my peers, and much more. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as a leader within this organization,” she said.
At the event, alumni, current members, faculty, and industry professionals had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share memories, and reflect on their experiences with the PRSSA Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter.
Both Hamlet and faculty advisor, Assistant Professor of Practice Joseph Stabb, spoke about the history of the chapter and how it has evolved throughout the years. Hamlet shared the current activities the chapter has been involved in and how they continue to elevate the organization.
“This event was a true testament to all the work we have done these past fifty years,” Hamlet said. “It was an honor to meet some of the previous chapter leaders who have gone on to apply the knowledge they learned from our local chapter engagements to the trips with PRSSA on the national level.”
Stabb added, “I am proud to be the faculty advisor and to be able to support our PRSSA chapter and the students. I am a past PRSSA president and have been a member of PRSSA/PRSA for over twenty years. I wholeheartedly believe that our professional organization provides extreme value to our students and provides the students with a connection to public relations professionals locally and nationally.”
As the PRSSA Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter looks forward to the future, it remains dedicated to providing opportunities for its members. The chapter plans to continue hosting events that promote professional development, facilitate networking, and encourage community engagement by building on its strong foundation.
For more information about the PRSSA Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, visit their website.