Spoiler Alert: Gregory J. Zimprich, APR, Fellow PRSA and I have retired from teaching at Metro State University. Last week, we graded our final final exams and submitted the last of our grades.
How did this journey start?
Anne Zimmerman (1942-2007), agency leader, comms director for Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and professor at Drake University, influenced my career in public relations. She brought real-world experience and perspective to the classroom, and her hands-on approach stuck with me. She also instilled leadership lessons, urging me to serve as president of Women in Communications on campus and wrote a letter of recommendation for me to get internships. What Anne likely did not know is she also inspired me to teach.
I threw my hat in the ring when a community faculty position opened at Metropolitan State University in 2004. I wanted to help students prepare for their careers. I hoped to instill an appreciation for the power and potential of public relations while offering resources for general success. Knowing that Metro State students are nontraditional, I also wanted to help them distinguish themselves in a competitive job market – our alums have landed in some incredible places! #ProudProf
I taught solo for the first 10 years, and when the program grew, Greg Zimprich, my career-long and dear friend, joined as a co-teacher in 2014. Together, we expanded the curriculum, introduced new content and created a semi-annual reunion for students and alums to connect. In 2020, we piloted a career exploration program with Minnesota PRSA, connecting diverse students to exceptional employers, including Mall of America, Medtronic, American Academy of Neurology, Best Buy and more.
I have reveled in bringing in hundreds of guest speakers – thank you to all who shared your time and expertise – creating PR plans and materials for hundreds of Minnesota-based organizations, introducing students to books like StrengthsFinder, A Curious Mind, Mindset, Why Should the Boss Listen to You, and advocating for the use of the AP Stylebook and weekly quizzes on current events.
Teaching has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and it’s also the job I’ve held longer than any of the others on my resume. Thank you, Metro State, students, alums, and my LinkedIn network for being part of this incredible endeavor over the past two decades.
What’s next?
I’m focusing on Pineapple, will keep the MSU PR Majors reunion going, and am dabbling in some lifestyle content around personal growth and self–discovery—follow along with TwoMinutesDuJour.com. And just because we can’t get enough of public relations principles, Greg and I may collaborate on a textbook.
Account Coordinator Co-op at Melwood Global | Journalism Student at Northeastern University
2 个月So excited for another semester with this club and team!