What does “student-run firm” mean?
Texas Tower PR is an entirely student-run firm, which means that our executive board, director and associates are students. Dave Junker serves as our faculty sponsor within the College of Communication. Jenifer Sarver serves as our liason with PRSA. Being student-run also means that we provide a learning environment much more casual, open and, in many ways, less intimidating than most university classrooms.
What kinds of clients do you work with?
We work exclusively with nonprofit clients, and at the moment we have four clients: Candlelight Ranch, a camp for special needs youth; Texas Exes, our longest-running client; Theatre Action Project, a program to promote social learning through the art; and the UT Career Services Offices, which help students find internship and employment opportunities.
How did you get started?
There are various versions of our history. The one we have heard most frequently is that in 1968, Alan Scott founded the High Noon Society, a 1960s version of the current Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns class that seniors take prior to graduating from the University of Texas. This student-run firm gradually evolved into the concept that is Texas Tower PR today.
How do you select new clients?
While we are currently working at capacity in terms of clients, we are always receptive to hearing from new potential clients interested in our services. We do work exclusively with nonprofits, as mentioned above. Please keep this in mind when reaching out to us.
We are also always looking to connect with local public relations firms, agencies and brands — please send us an email at texastowerpr@gmail.com!
What is a PRSSA-recognized student-run firm?
Tower applied for and received status as a PRSSA, nationally-recognized student-run firm during the spring of 2010. For more information on what this distinction means, please visit PRSSA’s website here.
When and how can I join?
We accept new members at the beginning of each semester. Keep an eye out for Tower members in your classes and follow us on Twitter or Facebook to get information each semester. We ask applicants for a brief writing sample in AP Style and a resume. We then conduct interviews, typically on the third Sunday of the semester.
