What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations

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The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations

The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations strives to develop leadership values and skills in public relations education and practice.

The Plank Center is the leading international resource for practitioners, educators and students who are passionate about advancing their careers and the public relations profession. In engaging others, we foster and advocate these professional ideals:
- Truth
- Integrity
- Courage
- Caring
- Imagination
- Judgment
- Leadership

05/26/2026

We’re proud to announce our 2026 Milestones in Mentoring Honorees!

Each of this year’s honorees is recognized for exceptional impact on mentoring within the communications profession, demonstrating excellence in leadership, innovation and a strong commitment to developing the next generation.

Join us in congratulating:

🏆 Agency Award: Chris Foster, CEO, Omnicom

🏆 Legacy Award: Dr. Don W. Stacks, Professor Emeritus of Strategic Communication, UM School of Communication

🏆 John "Jack" Koten Corporate Award: Joe Cohen, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, AXIS

🏆 Bruce K. Berger Educator Award: Dr. Matthew W. Ragas, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, DePaul University, College of Communication

🏆 Emerging Leader Award: Sonny Franks Miller, Sr. Manager, Global Corporate Communications, Clarios

We look forward to recognizing these outstanding mentors at the 16th annual Milestones in Mentoring Gala on Nov. 5! For more information, visit plankcenter.ua.edu.

05/18/2026

The Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) is more than just a committee. It's a commitment to the future of the communications profession.

As the heart of The Plank Center, the ELC champions future leaders by building the knowledge, ethics, empathy and relationships needed to strengthen trust between organizations and the publics they serve.

"This is a great group of leaders dedicated to supporting and lifting peers in their career journeys. It's been a pleasure to learn from them and work together as we create community." -Colin Wylie, ELC Chair

04/16/2026

Recently, we celebrated the time-honored tradition of Honors Day on The University of Alabama campus and within the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences. We were ecstatic to recognize the accomplishments of the College’s most outstanding students and alumni, in particular, two Plank alumni.

Founding Board Member, Bill Heyman, received the Bert Bank Distinguished Service and Achievement Award. This award is given to individuals who, through their career, have elevated the profile of the College. Bill is the co-founder of FHS Capital Partners and is the only recruiter thrice named to PRWeek’s Power List, where he is regarded as an asset to the profession’s most senior leaders.

Jim Bakken, APR, was recognized as an Outstanding Alumni. Jim is the chief communications officer for The University of Alabama at Birmingham. In this role, he manages the messaging for the state of Alabama’s largest employer, bringing military-bred discipline and higher-ed expertise to the forefront of public relations.

We are proud to celebrate Bill and Jim for their lasting impact on our profession, their outstanding achievements and continued leadership. 🏆

04/14/2026

What happens when the title disappears, and you’re left with yourself?

Board member Geoff Curtis explores that question in his new book, Embracing Your Own Purgatory. A raw reflection on identity, looks and sitting with discomfort instead of rushing past it. Not self-help. Just honest.

A powerful read for leaders, learners and anyone navigating change. Grab your copy today at bit.ly/4vvWjoA! 📖

Address

270 Kilgore Lane
Tuscaloosa, AL
35401

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

http://plankcenter.ua.edu/

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