Summary
Alison Gaulden, APR, Fellow PRSA, is a Public Relations professor, public affairs expert, impassioned speaker, student mentor and faculty adviser for Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Nevada. Gaulden teaches intro to and advanced campaigns in public relations/advertising, media ethics, crisis communication, public relations writing and PR data. She instituted the PRSSA Certificate in the Principals of Public Relations (CPPR) at the University, serving as mentor for students who achieve their certificate. She’s been named Senior Scholar Mentor three times, a rare and coveted distinction in which summa cum laude students nominate the faculty member most influential to their careers. She is the 2023 recipient of Nevada Christian Semenza Teaching Award.
From 2013 to 2019, Gaulden coordinated the internship program at the Reynolds School of Journalism, teaching professional expectations and personal growth.
For nearly a quarter of a century, Gaulden worked as a reproductive freedom-fighter conducting public affairs strategy for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the largest affiliate in the country. Her role included public policy influence across 40 counties in two states, direct lobbying more than 200 elected officials, grassroots advocacy, volunteer development, media relations, reputation and crisis management, community relations, health center marketing and internal communications. She served as the spokesperson for the organization in Nevada in the face of growing hostility in a challenging political environment. She handled several crisis situations, many never reaching publicity.
The Nevada transplant owns two consulting businesses: one coaching clients in public relations, effective communication, media relations, public affairs and negotiations; the other for in gardening in northern Nevada. Additionally, she has taught public relations to small businesses, including media relations, social media, community relations and more at both Truckee Meadows Community College and through Nevada Extended Studies programs.
She is chair of the board for Northern Nevada International Center and has volunteered with the organization for more than 20 years as a citizen diplomat, teaching international visitors about the American electoral process, democracy and engaging women in civic engagement.
Gaulden has been a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Sierra Nevada chapter member since 1997 and is now emeritus. Throughout her more than 20 years as a member, she served two terms as chapter chair (2003 & 2015), as well as PRSA North Pacific District chair in 2016-2017, and every position except treasurer and special events. Her vocation for education includes mentoring members in the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) process and the College of Fellows induction process. In 2018, the chapter bestowed the Hall of Fame award adding to her two previous awards: Mark Curtis, Jr. Award in recognition of her dedication to the improvement of public relations and The Golden Spike using her skills for community engagement. In 2015 and 2017, PRSSA named her Outstanding Faculty Adviser of the Year. In addition, she’s won three faculty adviser awards and a faculty of the year award from the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN). She has several awards for her public affairs and political career including from Planned Parenthood Advocates, Emerge Nevada and the local political party.
Courses taught
- JOUR 305: Media Ethics
- JOUR 351: Principles of Public Relations and Advertising
- JOUR 361: Writing for Public Relations and Advertising
- JOUR 443: Strategic Communications Campaigns Studio
- JOUR 446: Crisis Communications
- PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition
Selected service
- Chair, Public Relations and Advertising Emphasis, Reynolds School of Journalism, 2022-present
- Reynolds School of Journalism Nevada Christian Semenza Outstanding Teaching Award, 2023
- Instituted PRSSA Certificate in the Principles of Public Relations (CPPR) to University of Nevada Reno, 19 alums certified
- Faculty Adviser, PRSSA Nevada, 2004-present; manages the PRSSA Wolf Pack Relations student-run firm
- Board chair and annual Global Gala Chair, Northern Nevada International Center Board Chair
- Luminary Award, Northern Nevada International Center, 2024
- Professional Mentor for professionals across the country through the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) process, PRSA
- Proprietor providing crisis communication, advocacy and public affairs consultation and media training, AGile Campaigns
- Presenter,“Prepare for Social Media in PR,” University of Zimbabwe, 2012
- Faculty, University of Nevada, Reno Extended Studies
Education
- MBA in Marketing, University of Phoenix
- B.A. in Journalism, University of Nevada, Reno
Professional certifications
- Accreditation in Public Relations, Public Relations Society of America, 2014
- College of Fellows, Public Relations Society of America, 2021