May 25, 2007 -- Arkansas State University recently won several awards at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Prism Awards held May 17 at The Peabody Little Rock.

The ASU Viewbook, designed by Mary Williams of ASU Publications and Creative Services, was the winner in the Other Printed Pieces category. The book is the lead publication in recruiting students. It was designed around the Powering Minds theme.

In Special Advertising Support- TV, the "Powering Minds" spot, produced by Markham Howe, director of University Relations, was a finalist. The television advertisement is the key element of the "Powering Minds" campaign for increasing awareness of ASU in a very competitive market. The spot featured individuals telling how a degree at ASU gave them the power to succeed in life.

The Prism Awards also recognizes students through the student chapter, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). ASU students Melody Williams and Meagan Clark were both award winners.

Williams and Clark won a Prism in the Publications-Newsletter category with The Library Letter, a newsletter published for the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library. The newsletter is used to promote library events and educate patrons about opportunities at the library.

Williams also received a Prism for a news release entered in the Writing/Media- News Release category. While working in the ASU Communications Office, Williams wrote a news release regarding Dr. Staffan Elgelid, a physical therapy professor at ASU, touring with rock singer Beck. The release was published in several media outlets.

PRSA is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals. The Society has more than 28,000 professional and student members. PRSA is organized into 112 Chapters nationwide, 19 Professional Interest Sections, along with Affinity Groups, which represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional service firms and nonprofit organizations. PRSSA has 255 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States.