For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Kerry-Ann Hamilton
Media Relations Manager
(202) 238-2332
k_hamilton@howard.edu

New PRSA Diversity Today Host Dr. Rochelle Ford

Tune in to Dr. Rochelle Ford
PRSA Diversity Today Names New Host of Podcast Series

WASHINGTON (February 24, 2009) – Rochelle Larkin Ford, Ph.D., associate dean of research and academic affairs in the John H. Johnson School of Communications, was tapped as the new host for PRSA podcast series, "PRSA Diversity Today."

The series explores the moral and business value of diversity in today’s ever-changing business climate.

“It's exciting to be the new host of Diversity Today,” Ford, APR, said. “My hope is to shed light on pressing diversity issues in public relations,” Ford said.

Dr. Ford’s first podcast, which airs today, will focus on forging better relationships between African Americans and PR companies and organizations. Future podcasts will explore the Hispanic, Asian and GLBT communities.

“We are not a homogeneous group and it imperative that there is understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness that diversity brings,” Ford added.

An award-winning scholar, professor, and writer, Dr. Ford has published work on diversity and public relations pedagogy and pens a monthly column "Diversity Dimensions" for Public Relations Tactics. Dr. Ford was the 2008 recipient of the D. Parke Gibson Multiculturalism Award. After completing her undergraduate studies at Howard University (B.A. '93), she later earned a Master of Arts from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Guests for the Feb. 24 podcast include: Hazel Trice Edney, editor-in-chief National Newspapers Publishers Association news service and BlackPressUSA.com; Neil Foote, president of Foote Communications; and Maiya Hollie, public relations director, REACH Media Inc. and The Tom Joyner Morning Show.

To listen to the Feb. 24 podcast, visit PRSA Diversity Today. The show will also be hosted on WebmasterRadio.FM on the PRSA Conference Channel.