TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama will award $8,700 to support two research projects that will enhance understanding of factors that contribute to effective and ethical leadership in public relations.

Recipients of the 2008 leadership grants are:

• Juan Meng, doctoral student at The University of Alabama, who received a grant of $6,859 for her study, “Measurement of Excellent Leadership in Public Relations and Its Dimensions: A Cross-Cultural Integrating Approach”; and
• Elina Erzikova, doctoral student, and Dr. Bruce Berger, professor and chairman of the department of advertising and public relations at The University of Alabama, who were awarded $1,875 for their study, “Leadership Education in Public Relations Curriculum: Reality, Opportunities and Benefits.”

“We congratulate the grant recipients and look forward to the results of their research,” said Dr. Karla Gower, director of the Plank Center and associate professor in the advertising and public relations department in the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences. “These grants, along with other initiatives, represent the Center’s continuing efforts toward helping develop leadership values and skills in the classroom and profession.”

Scholars from 10 universities responded to the request for proposals issued in May, Gower said. The competitive proposals were blind reviewed by academics at five universities.

Last year, the second year of the leadership grants, two projects were funded for a total of $17,000.

In 2005, the UA Board of Trustees established the Center, named for public relations leader and UA alumna Betsy Plank, to develop and recognize outstanding performance in the profession and the classroom. It sponsors research, national awards and service programs to advance the understanding and practice of ethical and responsible public relations.

In addition to national leaders in the practice and education, the Center Board includes an ex officio position for the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which represents more than 10,000 members in 298 colleges and universities.

The Center is housed in UA’s College of Communication and Information Sciences. UA’s public relations program, with nearly 600 students, is the largest undergraduate degree program in the College of Communication and Information Sciences. The program is the 12th in the nation to be reviewed and certified by PRSA. The College is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10 in number of doctoral degrees awarded and in its research programs.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state’s economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state’s flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.