Charles R. Byrd PRSSA Tower Communication
Write your story with us
Charles R. Byrd PRSSA Tower Communication
Write your story with us
Write your story with us
Write your story with us
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a pre-professional organization for college students interested in public relations and integrated communications. PRSSA connects you with Faculty members, PR Practitioners and other students with similar interests.
Charles R. Byrd Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has been a staple of public relations innovation at WVSU since 1991. The WVPRSA 2016 Chapter of the Year exemplifies our active involvement in the field and in our local community. In their 30-year history we have attended countless PRSSA National Conferences (New York City, Atlanta, Philly, San Francisco, Boston, Auston, etc.). Members of WVSU PRSSA have held National PRSSA Board positions, led seminars at the National Conventions and won numerous WVPRSA Diamond and Crystal Awards.
Kaylee Tate
212 Cole Complex
Department of Communications & Media Studies
West Virginia State University
Institute, WV 25112
304-204-4012
Dr. Charlene Byrd, the widow of Dr. R.C. Byrd receives flowers from Kate White. of the Charleston Gazette Newspaper.
Dr. Tee Ford Ahmed presents the Ceremonial Plaque naming the chapter after Dr. Byrd's husband.
The WVSU PRSSA named its Chapter after Dr. Charles Robert Byrd during the annual Communication Day Ceremony held April 27, 2007, in the Wilson Union. Dr. Byrd initiated the Communications Department at West Virginia State University (then College) during his tenure. He joined the faculty on January 3, 1941 and remained until his retirement in 1987. His widow, Dr. Charlene Byrd accepted flowers and a plaque depicting the new name: Charles R. Byrd Chapter of the PRSSA at West Virginia State University.
Dr. Charlene Byrd recalled her husband having developed the program which led to the present television facility and recalled with fondness his having bought the first 16mm projectors and overhead projectors. He was also responsible for operating the public address system. Because he was the public address announcer for all football, basketball, and other athletic games and contests, he became affectionately known as the “Voice of the Yellow Jackets.” His technology responsibilities also included showing the weekly motion pictures in the “A Building” and playing recorded chimes on Sundays to signal the required attendance of all students at evening chapel services.
Dr. Charles R. Byrd received his Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University, an MA in Higher Education from New York University, and the Ed.D. from Syracuse University with a major in Higher Education in Communication and Technology.