The Plank Center for Public Relations Studies at The University of Alabama has announced a new competition where up to $25,000 in competitive grants will be awarded to PR
professionals and students. The program, according a university press release, is designed to "support research that advances knowledge of leadership in the profession and helps
develop excellence in leadership." The grants range in value from $2,500 to $10,000, and the themes for the proposals should focus, according to the university, on "core values
and skills (that) are essential to excellence in leadership, how leadership values and skills get translated in public relations classes, and how businesses and professional
associations might collaborate with academia to develop leadership skills." Applications are available from Bruce Berger, director of the Plank Center ([email protected]), and the deadline to apply is May 15.