PR Masters Series Podcast, Episode #73 – GWU’s Lawrence J. Parnell, M.B.A.
Larry Parnell has played as much of a role as to how public relations is being taught on both the undergraduate and graduate levels in colleges and universities as anyone in the world of academia.
The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession. Today’s special guest is Larry Parnell, Associate Professor & Program Director, Masters in Strategic Public Relations, The George Washington University.
Larry has worn many hats. He’s been a PR agency senior executive, a consultant, a public affairs practitioner and a communications professional on the corporate side. When he chose to enter the world of academia he was well prepared. He has seen public relations change from the fax age to artificial intelligence. His curricula at George Washington University encompasses the state of the profession and enables its students to shortcut their entry into the professional arena.
Hear Larry Parnell talk about the role of academia in supporting the professional goals of future public relations practitioners. Hear the advice he gives to current practitioners at all levels. Thank you, Professor Parnell.
About Our Guest
Lawrence J. Parnell, M.B.A. is an award-winning Public Relations professional and academic who is an Associate Professor and Director of the George Washington University master’s in strategic public Relations program. He has served in this role for 15 years and the GWU Masters is one of the best known and most admired graduate programs in communications in the US.
He holds a BS in Journalism from Boston University; and an MBA from the University of New Haven. He is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management and Public Policy from the GW School of Business (May 2023).
Prior to coming to GW, he had a long and successful career in the private and public sector. He has worked in corporate and agency settings globally and served in national and statewide government positions. He is a two-time winner of the prestigious PR Week Awards. He was named PR Professional of the Year (2003) whole at E&Y and the GW Master’s program was recognized as the Best PR Education program in 2015.
Parnell is the co-author of a top selling public relations textbook: “Introduction to Public Relations”, published by Sage Publishing. The text, now in its second edition, is used by over 35 undergraduate programs in Mass Communications and Public Relations programs in North America.
He is a member of the Page Society and serves on the Board of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, (PRSA).
