(front, from left) Dave Beyer, Anika Perkins, Chris Jenkins (back, from left) Tyler Wheat, Robert Scott, Erik Studdard

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women’s Office of University Relations and Office of Athletic Communications both garnered several awards at the annual College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) Awards Banquet.

“Congratulations to our talented and dedicated staff members who pour their hearts into their work and consistently produce high quality assets and materials that showcase The W,” said Anika Perkins, executive director of University Relations.

University staff members competed in the senior division, which includes all of the state’s public and private four-year colleges and universities. The awards were announced Monday, May 20 during the 2024 CPRAM Annual Conference in Bay St. Louis.

CPRAM, a consortium of public relations professionals employed at Mississippi’s higher education institutions, including public and private colleges, universities, and affiliated education agencies, serves as the premier platform for recognizing outstanding achievements in the field of public relations.

University staff award winners include: Anika Perkins, executive director of university relations; Dave Beyer, director of athletics communications; Chris Jenkins, university photographer; Erik Studdard, graphic artist; Robert Scott, communication specialist; and Tyler Wheat, director of communications.

First-Place Winners:

  • Sports News Story – “Owls Women’s Basketball Steps 2023-24 Off On the Right Footin 66-59 Win,” Dave Beyer
  • Sports Feature Story – “A Place for Flowers to Grow,” Dave Beyer
  • Sports Photograph – “MUW Women’s Tennis,” Dave Beyer
  • Sports Website – www.owlsathletic.com, Chris Jenkins, Dave Beyer
  • Special Publications/Promotions – “MUW Athletics Christmas Book,” Chris Jenkins, Dave Beyer

Second-Place Winners:

  • Institutional Magazine/Annual Report – “Visions,” Anika Perkins, Chris Jenkins, Erik Studdard, Robert Scott, Tyler Wheat
  • Feature Story – “Alumni Nursing Features,” Anika Perkins, Robert Scott, Tyler Wheat
  • News Story – “Professor, Student Enjoy Summer Globetrotting for Geckos,” Robert Scott
  • Sports News Story – “Oh Snap! Owls Halt PCC’s Win Streak and Match Season Record Wins Total, 97-86,” Dave Beyer
  • Sports Feature Story – “Owls Athletics Approved for Full NCAA III Membership,” Dave Beyer
  • Social Media-Sports – “Facebook (ThWAthletics),” Dave Beyer

Third-Place Winners:

  • Photograph – “Visions Cover,” Chris Jenkins, Erik Studdard
  • Digital Advertisements – “Be Bold Tower With Blue Billboard,” Chris Jenkins, Erik Studdard
  • Single Piece of Artwork – “Holiday Card,” Erik Studdard
  • Sports News Story – “Softball finishes Most Successful Season of Modern Era as USCAA Runner-up,” Dave Beyer
  • Sports Feature Story – “A Standard of Excellence: The W Athletics Hall of Fame Inaugural Induction Class Announced,” Dave Beyer
  • Single Piece of Artwork-Sports Only – “One More Sleep…,” Dave Beyer
  • Social Media-Sports – “Instagram (TheWAthletics),” Dave Beyer

About The W

Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,227 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, diversity and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.

Be Bold. Tower with Blue.