JSU Director Of Public Relations Named Professional Of The Year

Jackson State University's director of public relations, Rachel James-Terry, has been announced as the 2023 Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi.

Jackson State University (JSU) is celebrating an honor for its director of public relations. Rachel James-Terry was named the 2023 Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) at its ceremony in Jackson on Jan. 31.

The award is bestowed on individuals working in public relations in Mississippi who have displayed excellence in their field. James-Terry was announced as one of the three honorees for the past year via JSU’s official website, which detailed the PR aficionado expressing her gratitude for being nominated among her chapter members.

“I am completely floored to receive this recognition from my peers,” James-Terry said.

“Making a difference and leaving an impact in the public relations industry is something that I strive toward daily. I enjoy the work that I do and serving the Jackson State University community. So, this acknowledgment just reaffirms my journey and God’s plan. Thank you, PRAM Central. It is an honor.”

James-Terry is a veteran in the media profession and corporate litigation, with over 20 years of experience since receiving her Bachelors and Masters degree at JSU. Through her position as Director of Public Relations, she has produced segments for prominent networks such as SiriusXM, MSNBC, and programs like Good Morning America, doing considerable work toward her alma mater. Her work as in this role has elevated the JSU’s brand to a vast audience through numerous media, also utilizing her position as editor-in-chief of its alumni publication, The Jacksonian, to make it the sole HBCU finalist for the 2023 PRNews Platinum Award for online publication.

Her accolades also include becoming 2023 Maynard Fellow from The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, as she continuously works to break the barriers surrounding her industry for the next generation. JSU’s associate VP of marketing and communications, Alonda Thomas, spoke on behalf of their school to remark on James-Terry’s “deserving” achievement.

“Rachel is the consummate professional, and she is so deserving of this recognition by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi,” shared Thomas.

“Her passion for creative storytelling and enthusiasm for enhancing the JSU brand is evident throughout her work. I look forward to her continued success as an industry leader.”