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On January 18, 2021, I passed a 4-hour comprehensive exam and earned accreditation in public relations (APR) by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). The APR solidifies my knowledge, skills and abilities across the spectrum in the PR field and also showcases my commitment to the profession. 

APRil is APR Month! Throughout the month, we’ll spotlight some of our own chapter’s accreditation superstars. They’ll share how earning an APR has affected their professional careers, what led them to pursue accreditation and how you can do it, too. 

We're kicking it off with a brand new APR superstar who earned accreditation virtually while navigating the pandemic: Heidi Wilson, APR! Heidi is an associate professor at Virginia Union University, a public relations consultant and blogger. We’ll let Heidi take it away!

“ℙ𝕃𝔼𝔸𝕊𝔼 allow 𝕞𝕖 to 𝕣𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕖 𝕞𝕪𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗, Heidi Wilson, APR. 

I am SO happy to announce that I am officially an APR and have earned accreditation in public relations through the Universal Accreditation Board. I started this journey in 2017. However, the recent pandemic allowed me time to refocus, recommit and reach success. Thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey (you know who you are). 

After juggling work, balancing multiple distractions---completing a 20-page application packet, putting together a portfolio specifically catered to this purpose, panel presentation to a board of PR practitioners, taking a class, several hours of study each day and passing a four-hour comprehensive exam, I'm excited to be on the other side and to join this esteemed group of accredited PR professionals!

Keep shining!”

It Takes APRo! #communications #publicrelations #PR #accredited #PRSA #APR

 One of the foremost providers of resources and development for public relations professionals --PR NEWS listed me  as "honorable mention" for the category of "Outstanding HBCU Educator of the Year!" My name was announced as a finalist and as honorable mention at the PR NEWS  CSR & Diversity Awards Gala!

I was featured in the inaugural e-newsletter for the School of Arts & Sciences at Virginia Union University. 

Named Faculty Member of the 2018-2019 Academic Year at Virginia Union

University.  

 Article titled, “New Media Negative Effects on Millennials and Generation Z at Historically Black Colleges and Universities" published in the Edward Waters College HBCU JOURNAL ON RESEARCH INITIATIVES. Edward Waters college (located in Jacksonville, FL) is the first HBCU in the state of Florida.  

Profiles in PR feature in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Strategies and Tactics publication. 

Six Sigma Certified --- Six Sigma is a methodology based on statistical analysis & data rather than just guesswork to improve strategic processes within an organization. This business model is used throughout many businesses and corporations. 

Recognized as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Richmond Chapter "Member of the Month," for work in the public relations profession.  

Recognized for five years of service at Virginia Union University.