Joey Hernandez Elected as New Texas State University PRSSA President

By Pricilla Yolanda Hurst, Texas State University PRSSA member
Traveling the 100 miles up I-35 from Larado, Texas, Joey Hernandez came to San Marcos in the fall of 2010. A year and a half later Hernandez was elected president of the Texas State University’s PRSSA chapter for the spring 2012 semester.

“I first heard about PRSSA through a classroom visit and decided I wanted to attend a meeting,” explained Hernandez, a native of Laredo. “I spoke to the executive board and asked them questions about member involvement and I was soon after an active member. At the end of that semester, I heard of an officer position available for the spring and decided to run for Vice President of Public Relations. I made it into the executive board and was ready to begin learning.”

Joey Hernandez, president of the Texas State University’s PRSSA chapter.

PRSSA was a natural fit for Hernandez. The following semester he was elected to the Vice President of Membership chair for the fall semester. Working closely with then president, Lizzy Laster, he then made the decision to run for president for the Spring 2012 semester.

“I am excited for the new and different experiences that await,” said the newly elected president. “We are sad to see Lizzy Laster move on, but we are thrilled for her as she begins her journey into the professional world of Public Relations.”

Hernandez, who attended Texas A&M International University in Laredo for two years before transferring to Texas State, is currently interning for The Center for the Study of Latino Media and Markets on campus where he works with of interns to handle the centers public relations. He previously held internships for Iowa City based Vive Media.

The 55-member student chapter is eager for the fresh vision and insight Hernandez brings to the table.

Hernandez personal goals are to keep the organization in tack, working closely with the other executive board members to brainstorm new and innovative ideas for the chapter. He views the president’s role as a mediator. Developing ideas into reality, especially those that increase membership, recognition and brand.

“The goal for our chapter is to continue to grow. We want to make sure PRSSA is at a good standing point internally with our members and externally with our brand,” explained Hernandez. “We want to increase and retain membership, increase community service opportunities and increase member involvement.”

In the ever-evolving industry of PR, the future is uncertain. Lightning-fast changes are constantly occurring in the technological and the digital world. It is the role of the president to give insight into what the future holds for PR.

“Social media is changing the face of PR,” Hernandez said. “It has come a long way since the first press release was written. Social media platforms, such as, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, are becoming more and more important and useful as social media rises. With so many new software and media changes, comes an increasing opportunity for the PR profession.”

About the Author:

Priscilla Yolanda Hurst

Priscilla Yolanda Hurst is a junior at Texas State University-San Marcos, after attending the University of Texas at El Paso for two years. The 20-year-old has a double major of Public Relations and Psychology. Hurst is a public relations intern for Ruben Ruiz, award winning author, CEO, and financial advisor. She is also a promotion assistant at radio station KTSW 89.9, where she blogs does social media and creative.

An active member of campus organizations, Hurst is involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) as well as the Association of Women in Communications (AWC). She can be reached at: pyh2@txstate.edu.

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