Dr. Kelly Bruhn, APR, Professor of Public Relations and Associate Dean of the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC), has been inducted into the prestigious Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows. This honor is reserved for the nation’s most esteemed public relations professionals.
Bruhn is now one of only four living PRSA Fellows in Iowa, and notably, all four share a strong connection to Drake University. This highlights the consistent excellence of Drake’s SJMC in cultivating ethical and expert communicators. The other living Iowa members of the College of Fellows are Kevin Waetke (Drake SJMC BA’86, MA’93), Carol Bodensteiner (Drake SJMC MA’96), and Dr. Dave Remund (Drake SJMC BA’91, MA’08). Ferne Bonomi, another Iowa Fellow who passed away in October 2024, was a trailblazer in the public relations profession with strong ties to Drake, having worked alongside Drake faculty to develop PRSA accreditation prep courses.
“I am humbled to join this distinguished group and represent Drake’s public relations program on the national stage,” said Bruhn. “This honor is a result of the collaborative community we have here. The fact that all living Iowa Fellows are connected to Drake is a powerful story about our program’s commitment to shaping leaders in the profession. For future communicators, the choice is clear: Drake is THE place to study public relations and create meaningful careers.”
About the PRSA College of Fellows
Established in 1989, the PRSA College of Fellows includes more than 750 professionals and educators who have made a significant impact on the public relations and communications profession. Induction is a rigorous process, requiring at least 20 years of experience, an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), and a demonstrated record of advancing the profession, leadership, and community service.
Dr. Bruhn’s Impact at Drake
Dr. Bruhn has been a transformative leader at Drake, where she is known for her dynamic, project-driven courses that provide students with real-world experience. Her students consistently win local, state, and national awards for their campaign work on behalf of community partners, preparing them for top-tier internships and careers globally. In 2024, her dedication to education was recognized when she was named the PRSA Outstanding Educator of the Year.
“Induction into the College of Fellows is one of the profession’s highest honors, recognizing a career of leadership, ethical practice, and service,” said Catherine Staub, Dean of the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication. “This acknowledges Dr. Bruhn’s national standing as a leader and her role in shaping the future of communications. Her induction into the College of Fellows is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions and a point of immense pride for our school.”
Drake SJMC: A Legacy of Excellence
Drake’s public relations program is distinguished by its hands-on approach, requiring students to engage in major courses and campus media from their first semester. The curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking, a global perspective, and an ethical framework, culminating in a senior capstone project where students develop a comprehensive campaign for a nonprofit client. Drake’s SJMC is the only accredited journalism program at a private institution in the Midwest, and its public relations program is one of only 50 accredited programs internationally.
The 2025 College of Fellows class will be formally inducted at a gala celebration on Monday, Oct. 27, preceding the PRSA ICON conference in Washington, D.C.