Bluestone Achieves Milestone: 
Student-run PR Firm becomes Nationally Affiliated 

Samantha Edetanlen ‘24 

The University of West Georgia’s student-run public relations firm, bluestone celebrates hitting a new milestone as it proudly announces its recent national affiliation with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). This achievement marks the commencement of a new chapter for bluestone as they have evolved into an experiential lab for students aspiring to become public relations professionals. 

Now integrated into the PRSSA organization, the firm is provided with a platform to actively engage in industry events and contribute to initiatives that will ultimately drive the growth and development of the public relations industry. With this designation, bluestone aligns  itself with prestigious institutions, including the University of Alabama, University of Southern California and Purdue University.  

“The National affiliation with PRSSA highlights the hard work, dedication and teamwork exhibited by our bluestone students,” said Hazel Cole, associate professor and co-founder of bluestone. “We are excited for the opportunities this collaboration will bring for bluestone in growing our network and professional opportunities afforded to our students.”  

The firm, committed to empowering ethical and skilled professionals through experiential learning, offers a range of services, including content production,communication services, primary research, social media counseling, strategic PR planning and campaigns. Since its transition from a course to an experiential learning lab in 2022, The firm has collaborated with clients including, UWG library, The Vault Gallery, Tru-Liif, West Area Women's Society and THS Shelter. 

“At bluestone, we provide students with a unique platform to immerse themselves in the dynamics of a professional public relations setting well before graduation,” said Taylor Bryant, associate professor and faculty advisor of bluestone. “Our program equips students with a diverse skill set, preparing them for client interactions, effective team collaboration, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.”  

The affiliation with PRSSA will enrich the educational experiences of the firm members at bluestone, nurturing growth and contributing to the firm’s evolution. This aligns seamlessly with the firm’s goal to innovate, connect and grow more in the public relations space. 

bluestone accepts new clients each semester, if interested visit bluestone | UWG for more information.