Established in 2010, the Top Paper Awards recognize the top 3 papers in the open research and teaching paper competitions in AEJMC's Public Relations Division each year. The awards are made possible by the generous annual contributions of Dr. Dennis L. Wilcox, Professor Emeritus, San Jose State University, a well-respected educator and former director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San Jose State University.
Wilcox is best known as the author of 3 major textbooks in our field:
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Public Relations Strategies & Tactics (12th edition 2023)
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Public Relations Writing & Media Techniques (8th edition)
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Think: Public Relations (2nd edition)
Wilcox's annual contributions are consistently one of the strongest provided in support of the Public Relations Division at AEJMC!
Here are the AEJMC 2025 Award Winners from the Top Open Research Category:
First Place Paper: "Addressing the Trust Gap through Symbiotic Virtual Influencer Collaborations and Organizational Vulnerability in Social Advocacy" by Leping You, Miami University, Fanjue Liu, Shanghai Jiao Tong
Second Place Paper: "Enhancing Workplace Wellbeing Among Female Remote Workers: The Role of Ethics-of-Care Leadership Communication and Peer Emotional Support" by Dongqing Xu, Minnesota, Xiao Liang, Tasnia Alam, Weiting Tao, University of Miami and Yeunjae Lee, Colorado State
Third Place Paper: "Framing Sustainability Messaging: Brand Relationships and Purchase Intentions" by David Painter, Lauren Velazquez, Rollins College and "Public Relations Practitioners’ Expectations for Graduate Education" by Marlene Neill, Baylor, Patrick Merle, Florida State, Anni Qiang, Baylor University.
Top Teaching Paper Award Category
First Place Paper: "AI Intervention in PR Education for Digital Competence" by Erika Schneider, Syracuse
Second Place Paper: "Cultivating Leadership Potential: How an Agency Model Shapes Student Leadership Practice and Perspectives" by Breann Murphy, Teddi Joyce, Jacksonville State
Third Place Paper: "Do Public Relations Graduates Exhibit Work Ready Intelligence?" Pamela Bourland-Davis, Georgia Southern, Elizabeth Toth, Maryland, Charles Lubbers, South Dakota, Hua Jiang, Syracuse
Thank you, Dennis L Wilcox!