Benjamin Engel, a recent graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism, has successfully completed his Certificate in Principles of Public Relations (CPPR), becoming the 13th University of Nevada, Reno student to earn the credential.

The CPPR is a four-step certification process sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), which serves to distinguish public relations students’ proficiency in the field. The certification can be earned by recent graduates of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to set them apart in the competitive hiring process. More than 320 students from 56 universities and colleges nationwide have earned the certificate, according to the PRSA website. 

“It feels incredible to finally have this rare distinction in my field,” Engel said. “I had been studying for several months, diving into everything from communications theories to crafting effective PR plans to PR history.” 

Engel graduated from the Reynolds School in May 2021 with summa cum laude and honors baccalaureate distinctions. He was recognized as the 2020-2021 Outstanding Student in Public Relations and served as the treasurer, vice president and president of the University of Nevada, Reno chapter of the PRSSA, as well as the creative director and presenter for the University's 2021 National Student Advertising Competition team. He completed four internships in the nonprofit, government and agency industries.

“I’m very thankful for mentors like Alison Gaulden, APR, PRSA Fellow, who encouraged me to take this test and further my public relations skills,” Engel said.

He currently works as a public relations account coordinator at The Abbi Agency, a public relations firm in Reno, Nevada.