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Dean Mundy, Ph.D., University of Oregon

PR leaders are often hesitant to directly address sensitive issues of diversity and equity in their communication planning. As the events in Missouri and nationwide have reinforced, we need to be uncomfortable and confront some real issues, some real barriers, faced by our neighbors.
 
As PR practitioners and academics, we need to lead those conversations and create that awareness for our organizations. What a profound responsibility. It takes a lot of courage, but demonstrates a great degree level of sincerity in your communication planning to simply ask a question or admit you don't know. Read more. 

Ken Makovsky, Frank Ovaitt and
Tina McCorkindale 
On November 17th, Frank Ovaitt was honored for his nine years of service as IPR's President & CEO at the Distinguished Lecture and Awards Dinner in New York City. Frank received the Distinguished Service award for his commitment to the organization and its mission of research that matters to the practice.
 
Frank served twice as President and CEO and officially retired in May 2015. Frank's legacy has a true impact on the profession. The Essential Knowledge Project and Research Standards he spearheaded helped shaped the future of public relations. Read more.
Yang Cheng, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia

The recall by General Motors (GM) in 2014 was one of the largest crises in the history of the automotive industry. Yang Cheng, IPR's 2015 Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship winner, investigated the news coverage and how it affected GM's agenda-building tactics.
 
With the heated discussion about the issue, GM found it difficult to lead the conversation away from the negative sentiments expressed by most media outlets. To avoid a harmful impact, companies should use a transparent, consistent communication model at the earliest stages of the crisis to gain trust and retain good stakeholder relationships. Read more.
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