This semester marked the official launch of the student-led PR firm, the Weltner Consulting Agency. Founded by eight Oglethorpe students, this new group will conduct research, oversee real-world PR campaigns and analyze data under the advisement of communications faculty Dr. Kate Keib and Dr. Melany Chambers.

The team of students is already hard at work crafting a campaign for their first client: Arnold Sidman, trustee emeritus at OU. In fact, preparation for this campaign — which seeks to examine and improve race relations in the city of Brookhaven — began last semester, before the firm was made official. Now under the Public Relations Student Society of America, the WCA will give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment while still at Oglethorpe.

“Being a part of this firm has taught me plenty about working together as a cohesive unit,” says John Settles ’22.

PRSSA — a national organization for students interested in PR and communications — encourages the understanding of the current theories, principles and procedures in the practice of public relations. It also provides students the opportunity to connect with peers who are also interested in communication professions.

The Weltner Consulting Agency was named in honor of former OU president Dr. Philip Weltner (1887-1981). Weltner was the second chancellor of the University System of Georgia and served as Oglethorpe’s president from 1943-1953. Not only did he make a significant impact on OU, Weltner was an activist who fought for prison reform, juvenile justice, public education, and race relations. The students modeled the agency’s logo after Dr. Weltner’s “pickaxe for good,” a metaphor coined by the Oglethorpe president as he fought against inequality.

The group hopes to make the firm a course for credit in the Fall 2022 semester. To keep track of their accomplishments and progress, follow their Instagram @weltnerconsultingagency.

Grant Utter contributed to this article.