Award: $1,000 annually

The Glen Broom Mentorship Award honors a current public relations educator who has demonstrated excellence in education and mentorship, and has had an impact on their students’ careers and lives.

The Award will be paid directly to the Award winner’s educational institution and designated for their research or education expenses for the following school year. If requested, it may be applied towards the Award winner’s PRSA ICON registration in the award year.

The grant will be presented annually at the PRSSA ICON student conference, in which the professor will be recognized in front of their peers.

This award was created and funded by Scott Pansky, Co-Founder, Allison Worldwide, in honor and memory of his mentor, Glen Broom.

“The Glen Broom Mentorship Award is the PRSA Foundation’s first award just for educators,” said Antonio Crane, president, PRSA Foundation. “This award acknowledges the incredible impact Dr. Broom had on our profession through education and mentorship and the award will recognizes the next generation of professors who are committed to mentoring diverse students from all walks of life, so they can excel in their education and career.”

About Glen Broom

Glen M. Broom, known for his passion and drive to help his students, was most recognized nationally for being the author and or co-author of six editions of one of the leading educational books on public relations, “Cutlip and Center’s Effective Public Relations” which has been translated into 10 languages. Broom passed away from a heart attack in 2019 at the age of 78 and was recently recognized in the PRSA book, “75 Years of Impact and Influence: People, Places and Moments In Public Relations History.”

Former PRSSA member, Broom student and current PRSA member, Scott Pansky, Co-Founder of Allison Worldwide, worked with the PRSA Foundation to develop the award program in honor of his former mentor. “Dr. Broom was not only my mentor, but a good friend and coach,” said Pansky. “Glen challenged me to set the curve in my courses and supported me in developing public relations programs on campus. And, when looking for a job, he introduced me to Scott Allison, another former alumnus, who I have worked with for more than 30 years.”

Pansky, Allison and several other alumni were original donors to the Broom Center. Through the Broom Initiative, the Center invests in the people in PR who are improving the practice. PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the public relations and communications community. During his career, Dr. Broom was recognized by PRSA with the Outstanding Educator Award in 1991 and the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Diego chapter of the organization.

“Dr. Broom was a friend and mentor to me,” said Dr. Kaye Sweetser, Director of the Broom Center. “We recognize the impact Dr. Broom had on so many former students like Scott and we are so pleased that Glen’s legacy will continue through this annual grant program.”

Nomination Process:

Nominations should be submitted by a current PRSA or PRSSA member. The online nomination form will ask nominators to submit:

• 500 words on the nominee’s strength as an educator and a mentor. The nomination should describe how the nominee has shown interest in their students’ successes and helped the students start their careers (ex. connecting with alumni or local businesses to find their first jobs after graduation).
• 3-5 references that can demonstrate the impact the educator has had with their students. At least two references must be current or former students. References can also include current or former educators, or other public relations professionals who have worked with the educator and their students. References may submit a testimonial of up to 300 words or be contacted by the award selection committee.

Nominations Open: January 2025

Nomination Deadline: April 30, 2025