FORUM Spring 2016 FORUM Spring 2016 | Page 4

National Assembly Welcomes Student Leaders to Austin BY LAUREN MALONEY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA This year, the PRSSA National Committee and delegates from across the world gathered in Austin, Texas, for the the PRSSA 2016 National Assembly to determine who would serve on the incoming National Committee. A day of voting and moving platforms wrapped up with many smiles and applause as a new National Committee was named. Meet the new PRSSA 2016–2017 National Committee: Andrew Cook Vice President of Advocacy Brigham Young University Why did you choose to run for vice president of advocacy? “I am passionate about providing opportunities for those who stand in need and giving a voice to those who are marginalized by society or feel voiceless to enact change.” What piece of your platform is the most meaningful to you? “Creating PRSSA-led diversity projects on the campuses of each Chapter as well as encouraging more Chapters to apply for the diversity award is one area I really look forward to seeing flourish.” Victoria Leigh Ward Vice President of Chapter Development Biola University What piece of your platform is the most meaningful to you? “The phone and email outreach tree is most meaningful to me because no leader should be alone. We struggle together and grow together, ultimately improving together.” What in your life has readied you to be vice president of Chapter development? “The component that has readied me most for this position is the relationships I’ve had with various people throughout my life. I had to humbly learn from those older and more experienced. At the end of the day, it’s all about connecting with people.” Joshua Lachica Vice President of Public Relations University of Oklahoma What are you most excited about for your position? “I’m most excited about really connecting with other Chapters by telling their stories in creative ways.” Who is your biggest role model? “My biggest role model in the industry is probably my PRSSA Faculty Adviser, Robert Pritchard. He is an incredible resource and goes out of his way to encourage and equip students to become future leaders.” Sarah Dougherty Vice President of Career Services University of Alabama What piece of your platform is the most meaningful to you? “I really poured myself into my plat