Arcadia University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter has earned national reaffiliation for its student-run firm, 1853 Communications, a distinction awarded to top-performing collegiate public relations firms nationwide.

The recognition places Arcadia’s firm among a select few that meet rigorous standards in professional practice, organizational structure, and industry connection. Nationally affiliated firms must demonstrate strong ties to PRSSA and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) while maintaining high levels of professionalism and an effective agency structure.

“A benefit of being nationally affiliated is that we can showcase our work and apply for awards from the PRSA foundation,” said Assistant Professor of Media and Communication Dr. Chris Mullin, who serves as the chapter’s faculty advisor. “In addition, there are only about 20-25 schools across the country that have been given this honor. Most of those schools are twice, sometimes three times, our size. We have accomplished the same thing, but are working with half the staff and much less funding and resources than some of the bigger schools. So, it is a big honor and will be a great addition to the resumes of everyone who works for the firm.”

Certification lasts three years, after which firms must reapply through a competitive process that includes submitting client work, case studies, and letters of support. In addition to eligibility for national awards, affiliation includes 1853 Communications in a PRSSA client referral system that connects affiliated firms with potential clients.

“This recognition means all the hard work I’ve put into this organization over the last four years has paid off,” said Co-president of 1853 Communications Jennifer Coulibaly ’26. “It’s an honor to be recognized on a national level as part of PRSSA.”

For Co-president Shaughn Williams ’26, the recognition also carries long-term professional impact.

“It is huge for our careers moving forward, as being able to claim leadership positions within the club the year of getting recognized as a star chapter, and then getting recertifications will leave a legacy that will continue on without us, which I think is pretty cool,” he said.

“[The reaffiliation] reaffirms the goals/methods by reinforcing the importance of experiential learning or ‘learning by doing,’” Mullin added. “Students are working with real-world clients and gaining specific, tangible experience while participating in a class and forming relationships with their peers. It is also nice to be recognized by an organization like PRSA for our efforts.”