JANS – Jackson State University Director of Public Relations Rachel James-Terry has been named 2023 Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM). This annual award by PRAM Central honors the exceptional work and professionalism of chapter members whose accomplishments have made major contributions to the profession.
Recipients further embody the highest degree of professionalism, serve their communities, are committed to advancing the profession, and have outstanding achievements in the practice of public relations.
“I am completely floored to receive this recognition from my peers. Making a difference and leaving an impact in the public relations industry is something that I strive toward daily. I enjoy the work that I do and serving the Jackson State University community. So, this acknowledgment just reaffirms my journey and God’s plan. Thank you, PRAM Central. It is an honor,” James-Terry said.
The awards ceremony occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at The Rickhouse by The Manship, a new private dining and event space in Jackson, Mississippi. The ceremony awarded three of its members, including James-Terry, for contributions as an emerging practitioner, practitioner, or advanced practitioner based on their years of service.
“Rachel is the consummate professional, and she is so deserving of this recognition by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi,” said JSU Associate VP of Marketing and Communications Alonda Thomas. “Her passion for creative storytelling and enthusiasm for enhancing the JSU brand is evident throughout her work. I look forward to her continued success as an industry leader.”
James-Terry has spent over 20 years in the journalism, media, public relations, and corporate litigation industry.
A creative innovator, she heads a four-person team responsible for developing public relations strategies that insulate and amplify the JSU brand by sharing effective best practices and ideas. These strategies include publications, collaborations, media outreach, social media, and marketing.
James-Terry was named a 2023 Maynard Fellow from The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding diversity in the news media and dismantling structural racism in newsrooms.
As editor-in-chief of JSU’s alumni publication “The Jacksonian,” James-Terry was integral in helping the Spring 2023 issue become a finalist for the 2023 PRNews Platinum Award for online publication. JSU was the only university and HBCU among national and international brands in this category, subsequently securing honorable mention.
She has helped produce segments and manage appearances for local and national media shows, including Good Morning America, MSNBC, Sirius XM’s Sway in the Morning, NPR, and the Biden Inauguration.
James-Terry is an alumna of Jackson State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Brand Ambassadors, the Public Relations Association of Mississippi, the Public Relations Society of America, and ForbesBLK.
