Tarleton State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter president Cadence Auten and treasurer Sophia Rivera attended the 2026 PRSSA National Leadership Assembly, April 10–12. During the conference, they participated in networking events, leadership training sessions and International Committee voting.
PRSSA is a student-run organization affiliated with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), one of the nation’s leading professional associations for public relations practitioners. The organization provides students with opportunities to develop professional skills, build industry connections and prepare for careers in communications. Tarleton State is one of only 16 universities in Texas to offer this preprofessional organization.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity provided through PRSSA,” said Auten. “Over the past two years, I have refined my communication skills and built meaningful connections, and now this position allows me to represent Tarleton State and share its values at a national level.”
The Leadership Assembly allowed the chapter’s executive board members to apply their training in a national setting while gaining insight from industry leaders and collaborating with peers from across the country. Since the chapter’s founding in the department of communication studies, Department Head Dr. Christopher Gearhart has been a strong supporter.
“When faculty advisor Dr. Liza Benedict asked if our department could send these deserving members to the conference, I didn’t hesitate,” Gearhart said. “I knew it would be an opportunity to showcase Tarleton State while creating lifelong memories and valuable learning experiences for our students.”
While in New Orleans, the students collaborated with PRSSA members from across the nation and took part in the official assembly meeting, where one delegate voted on proposed bylaw amendments that help shape the future of the organization.
Their participation highlighted the growing impact of student leadership at Tarleton State and the opportunities available to students who get involved, take initiative, and step into leadership roles.