Faculty Focus: Iseman fosters leadership and learning

Dr. Stephen D. Iseman, professor of communication arts and director of public relations, has elevated ONU public relations to an elite level since coming to ONU almost 16 years ago.

Under his guidance, ONU public relations became one of only 19 programs in the world to hold the Certified for Education in Public Relations (CEPR) designation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

"Because ONU has the CEPR designation, students know coming in that they will receive the highest quality education," explains Iseman. "Employers will see that our students have graduated from a CEPR program and recognize it as a distinction that sets them apart from other applicants."

Iseman was elected to the PRSA College of Fellows in September 2008. He is now one of only 445 Fellows among more than 22,000 members of PRSA. Often the highlight of a career in public relations, induction into the College of Fellows requires that its members demonstrate superior qualities that designate them as role models of the profession. A CEPR program led by a PRSA Fellow is an unparalleled combination, and it is distinction of the public relations program at ONU.

In addition to directing public relations, Iseman advises the ONU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the student branch of PRSA. Under his leadership, ONU PRSSA has become an award-winning chapter. In 2008, the ONU PRSSA was awarded its fifth National Teahan Award for Chapter Newsletter at the PRSSA National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Iseman is an excellent mentor and nurtures his students' leadership abilities well: Two past national PRSSA presidents and eight seats on the national committee were ONU students. Several ONU alumni have received Outstanding Graduate Awards from the Central Ohio PRSA chapter, and ONU students have won every major national award in public relations.

"I believe that ONU attracts very capable students who are ambitious and energetic. I simply provide inspiration and instruction," says Iseman of his highly skilled students.

Iseman had more than 25 years of experience as a public relations practitioner before joining the ONU faculty in 1993. He holds a BFA from Ohio University, a Master of Communication Arts degree from Xavier University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ohio State University.

Carlie Ellis
Senior, professional writing major
Sardinia, Ohio