IHL's Blanton shares tips for PR success
Caron Blanton, director of communications for the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, spoke to the Starkville-MSU chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and shared tips for a successful career. PHOTO: Sarah Dutton | Public Affairs
The communication director for the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning spoke to Mississippi State and Starkville professionals working in the field of public relations last week.
Caron Blanton was the featured speaker last Wednesday [May 18] during the Public Relations Association of Mississippi Starkville-MSU chapter meeting. The professional organization meets once a month for networking and a program.
Blanton’s topic, “How to ADVANCE your career through PRAM and SPRF,” used the acronym “ADVANCE” to outline opportunities professionals and students can take advantage of through involvement in the local chapter, as well as the regional Southern Public Relations Federation, also known as SPRF.
Her advice included Accreditation; Development; Voice; Awards programs; Networking; Collaboration; and Education.
The Tupelo native said her current role with IHL is a challenging job, but one that’s made easier “through my relationships that I’ve made through PRAM and SPRF.”
John Forde, professor and head of MSU’s communication department and longtime PRAM leader, said Blanton is well-respected for her professionalism throughout Mississippi and beyond.
“People understand that when she says she’s going to do something, she does it and does it well,” Forde said. He serves with Blanton as a member of the Universal Accreditation Board which manages the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) certification program. Blanton and Forde agreed that becoming accredited is one of the most important professional development opportunities available, and they compared it to similar accreditation certifications in other professions. For more, see www.praccreditation.org.
For more about the Starkville-MSU chapter of PRAM, visit www.starkvillepram.org.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Allison Matthews | Public Affairs
