Dr. Steve Iseman, APR, Fellow PRSA - Public Relations Society of ...

Stephen D. Iseman, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
Statement of Qualifications, Interest, and Contributions
I’ve always thought that advocacy is important. Communicating what we
do and its value for business and society is critical to the future of our field,
and I think that PRSA has made great strides in telling that story in recent
years. But as the railroad publicist Charles Russell Lowell said at the turn of
the century (not this one but the last one) “We’ve got to be cautious that we
don’t plead a stronger case than the merits of our position warrant.” That’s
where PRSA’s role in education and professional development – making
sure that we’re doing the right things in the right ways – come in.
I’ve been fortunate for the opportunity to serve PRSA in a number of ways
over the years including board and leadership positions at the chapter level,
and at the national level as a member of PRSA’s National board of Directors.
Much of my involvement during the past 20+ years has been in the area of
education at the incoming end of the scale.
I see service through the College of Fellows as a way to extend that concern
for making sure that we do the right things in the right ways at the other
end of the scale, both by working to ensure that the high standards for
membership in the College of Fellows is continued and by harnessing the
power of this most senior group as mentors, guides and role models for
other practitioners.

Dr. Steve Iseman, APR, Fellow PRSA is an Emeritus Professor of Communication
Arts/Public Relations and Director of the Public Relations Program at Ohio
Northern University. He was the faculty advisor for Ohio Northern’s award
winning PRSSA chapter for 18 years. In 2003 and 2009 he helped guide ONU’s
public relations program to recognition with PRSA “Certified for Education in
Public Relations” (CEPR) status. Under his direction in 2008 the ONU PRSSA
chapter’s firm, Vision Communications, joined PRSSA’s list of Nationally
Affiliated Student Run Firms.
Iseman has served on numerous Central Ohio PRSA committees and is a past
president of the chapter. In addition he has been an ex officio member of the
National PRSA Educators Academy Board of Directors, a reviewer for PRSA’s
Certification for Education in Public Relations program, the National Faculty
Advisor for the Public Relations Students Society of America and a past National
Co-Chair of PRSA’s Educational Affairs Committee. Since 2004 he has
represented PRSA on the Commission on Public Relations Education and was a
contributor to the Commission’s 2006 report, “The Professional Bond” and is
author of a chapter for the upcoming Commission report of graduate education
in public relations. He is currently a member of the National Board of Directors
of the PRSA. He has served as the PRSA Board Liaison with the PRSSA National
Committee and the Commission on Public Relations Education and currently
serves as the PRSA Board Liaison with the College of Fellows and the
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
(ACEJMC).
In 2004 he was awarded the “Walt Seifert Award for Outstanding Service to
PRSA, in 2006 Ohio Magazine recognized him with an “Excellence in Education
Award,” and in 2008 he was honored with the “Tom Poling Practitioner of the
Year Award.” In 2009 he received the Outstanding Educator Award from PRSA.
In 2011 he was honored with the East Central District Platinum Award in

ecognition of his contributions to PRSA and in 2012 he became the first inductee
into the Edward Lee McClain High School Hall of Fame.
Prior to moving to the classroom, Iseman worked in public relations for 20+
years. During the summer of 2007, he served as the first “Professor in Residence”
for Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations in Columbus. Iseman has traveled
extensively to speak on public relations issues and has served as an evaluator
and judge for numerous public relations award competitions.

Gerard F. Corbett, APR, Fellow PRSA
Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Redphlag LLC
3350 Geoffrey Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066
Office: 650.866.5005 Cell: 650.270.9626, gerard@corbett.org
July 3, 2012
College of Fellows Nominating Committee
Public Relations Society of America
33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10038-5150
Dear Nominating Committee:
I am writing to enthusiastically submit the name of Dr. Stephen Iseman, APR, Fellow PRSA, into consideration
to serve on the Executive Committee of the College of Fellows for the calendar year 2013. I have worked
closely with Dr. Iseman at the national board level and can attest to his enthusiasm, commitment and nature to
be extremely collaborative. He also has considerable experience as both a practitioner and educator.
Dr. Iseman is an Emeritus Professor of Communication Arts/Public Relations and Director of the Public Relations
Program at Ohio Northern University. He was the faculty advisor for Ohio Northern’s award winning PRSSA
chapter for 18 years. In 2003 and 2009 he helped guide ONU’s public relations program to recognition with
PRSA “Certified for Education in Public Relations” (CEPR) status.
Dr. Iseman has served on numerous Central Ohio PRSA committees and is a past president of the chapter. In
addition he has been an ex officio member of the National PRSA Educators Academy Board of Directors, a
reviewer for PRSA’s Certification for Education in Public Relations program, the National Faculty Advisor for the
Public Relations Students Society of America and a past National Co-Chair of PRSA’s Educational Affairs
Committee. Since 2004 he has represented PRSA on the Commission on Public Relations Education and was a
contributor to the Commission’s 2006 report, “The Professional Bond” and is author of a chapter for the
upcoming Commission report of graduate education in public relations. He is currently a member of the
National Board of Directors of the PRSA. He has served as the PRSA Board Liaison with the PRSSA National
Committee and the Commission on Public Relations Education and currently serves as the PRSA Board Liaison
with the College of Fellows and the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
(ACEJMC). Prior to moving to the classroom, Iseman worked in public relations for more than 20 years.
Given his energy and enthusiasm, as well as his long service to the society at both the National and Chapter
levels, I can say unequivocally that Dr. Iseman would be an outstanding leader for the College of Fellows and a
stellar member of the executive committee. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of submitting his name
into nomination.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerard F. Corbett, APR, Fellow PRSA

Richard J. Batyko, APR, Fellow PRSA
4335 Lakeview Glen Drive
Medina, Ohio 44256
June 28, 2012
Frederick C. Bagg, APR, Fellow PRSA
Director, Planning & Research
Franciscan Saint Francis Hospitals & Health Centers
1600 Albany Street
Beech Grove, IN 46107
Dear Fred,
I hope this finds you well. This correspondence is offered in support of the nomination of Dr. Steve
Iseman to an officer position within PRSA’s College of Fellows. I have been a member of the Society for
nearly three decades and during that time I have found the name Steve Isman is synonymous among the
many members that I know with exemplary professionalism, exceptional knowledge of the art and science
of public relations and selfless mentorship. He is simply held in the highest regard. You are aware of his
many accomplishments.
Accolades aside, I find another quality about Steve permeates. Yes, people respect him. They are in
awe of his accomplishments, sure. But they also consider him a friend even if they hardly know him. He
is a scholar, a gentleman, a ready listener and a thoughtful counselor. These qualities will make him an
effective officer, especially as the College of Fellows works to broaden its visibility and impact within the
Society.
While Steve’s contributions to PRSA are well known, I’ve come to benefit from his scholarly
contributions to the field. As candidate for a Master of Public Relations degree, I have developed a much
stronger appreciation for the body of knowledge that forms the foundation and guides the future of our
profession. His many published works and his legendary role in the classroom provide him with insights
across the academic and professional landscape of our field.
I have come to know Steve better through my service on the East Central District Board of Directors.
Steve is an active member of the District and provided inspiration and impactful leadership on its board.
Last year I was honored to present him with the East Central District’s Platinum Award. This is the
highest honor the District can bestow upon one of its members.
For his contributions to the field, his mentorship to thousands in the classroom and in our Society,
and the skills he posses that will help strengthen the College of Fellows, it is my pleasure to recommend
Dr. Steve Iseman as an officer candidate. Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional
information.
Respectfully,

July 6, 2012
To:
From:
Re:
Fred Bagg, APR, Fellow PRSA
Chair, College of Fellows Nominating Committee
Vivian Hamilton, APR, Fellow PRSA
Chair, PRSA College of Fellows 2005
Dr. Steve Iseman, APR, Fellow PRSA – Candidate for Secretary/Treasurer
Without hesitation, I commend to you Steve Iseman as the next Secretary/Treasurer of the
College of Fellows. Steve brings to the leadership circle a dual background as a talented
practitioner and a gifted, passionate educator. In my mind he perfectly addresses our
standards of superior capability, advancing the profession, serving as a role model and
providing leadership and service to PRSA and to PRSSA.
Steve’s best attribute is the quiet, thoughtful approach he takes when addressing any issue.
That probably comes from his many years of working with relentlessly demanding clients and
then, later in his career, dealing with students who all seem to have the same homeworkeating
dog. I believe his considerate attitude and demeanor will make him a valuable
member of the leadership team. I see him at once as someone who is collaborative and as
someone who brings others to the table. Yes, that means he plays well in the sandbox and
he knows how to get others to join the fun!
We needs leaders who can help the College grow and evolve. Steve will do that. I believe he
will help us grow our mentoring program, because he is a born mentor who knows the
difference between coaching and telling. As he comes off the national PRSA Board of
Directors, he will bring the skills and knowledge needed to help the College find a higher
profile in the broader leadership circle of PRSA. And, finally, he will help us keep the College
fresh and alive for the next generation of professionals.
We can’t go wrong with Steve. We need to take advantage of this asset while he is willing to
give his very valuable time, skills and abilities to advancing our profession, PRSA and the
College. I urge you to nominate Steve as our next Secretary/Treasurer.
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