UNG launches student PR firm

The University of North Georgia (UNG) has launched Student Public Relations at UNG (SPRUNG) this spring. This student-run public relations (PR) firm works with real clients, businesses and nonprofit agencies who need help raising awareness and improving their marketing and PR strategies.

SPRUNG's first client is Dr. Todd Holubitsky, chiropractor and director at Dahlonega Chiropractic Life Center. The students are creating some social media content and a commercial that can be played at Lumpkin County High School football games.

"It was such a fabulous experience. The students were so professional in the way they worked with me and their professor in creating the commercial," Holubitsky said. "They came up with the final product within a few days, and we are talking about potential future projects. I was honored to be their first client."

Emma Bredfeldt, a senior from Gainesville, Florida, pursuing a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations, transferred to UNG ahead of her third year of college. She is still exploring whether she wants to work in marketing, with a PR firm or for a nonprofit. SPRUNG is helping her get a small taste of the industry.

"It is a great opportunity to get one foot in the door and see what it would be like to work with a real-world client and get them some publicity," Bredfeldt said.

Caden Woodward, a junior from Cleveland, Georgia, pursuing a degree in film and digital media with a concentration in production, is preparing for a career in post-production. Woodward said working with a client "helps me build my communication skills and learn how to plan and organize."

He also appreciates collaborating with students across multiple disciplines.

"It's great that we have a microcosm of people from different backgrounds and majors in one organization," Woodward said.

Wyatt Nicholson, a junior from Fort Worth, Texas, also pursuing a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations, spent his first five semesters at UNG's Blue Ridge Campus. Now, he's grateful to be gaining further career preparation at the Gainesville Campus.

Nicholson is taking part in a media relations internship for a railroad company and is leaning toward working in both media relations and content creation when he graduates. SPRUNG is another chance for him to use his skills.

"Experience is knowledge. I wanted to get my hands dirty and see what it's like to really work for a PR firm," Nicholson said. "It helps students figure out if we really like this field."

Faculty members Dr. Toluwani Oloke and Dr. Caitlin Wills serve as advisers for SPRUNG. Wills said the group is based on a Public Relations Society of America model. 

Oloke, an associate professor of communication, appreciates how the firm builds experience for students and allows UNG to give back to the community.

"It gives students the opportunity to graduate with a complete professional portfolio," Oloke said. "These experiences put them over and above someone who just has an internship."

The group started with three students and is already up to eight.

"It's exciting that there's so much interest from the students," Wills, an associate professor of communication, said.