Roger Williams University Launches Center for Corporate Communication and Experiential Sandcastle PR Lab in Providence

October 1, 2025By Kelly Brinza

Amiee Shelton, Director of the Center and RWU Public Relations professor stands with PR students in the new experiential learning lab on the Providence campus. From left to right: Evelyn McAdoo, sophomore Public Relations major from Cambridge, Vt., Aiden Blatter, junior Public Relations major from Henrietta, N.Y., Victoria Fahey, senior Public Relations major from Scituate, Mass., Public Relations professor Amiee Shelton, Fionna Cashman, senior Public Relations and Graphic Design Communications major from West Bath, Maine, Sadie Barnard, senior Political Science and Public Relations major from Pittsfield, N.H., and Kali Blackerby, junior Public Relations major from North Easton, Mass.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Roger Williams University (RWU) has launched the Center for Corporate Communication (CCC), a dynamic new hub for experiential and interdisciplinary learning, applied research, and industry collaboration in corporate communications. Located at RWU's Extension School in the Providence campus, the CCC will serve as a bridge between academia and industry by positioning communication as a core driver of business strategy, trust, and value.

Through the Sandcastle PR Lab, an experiential lab that connects students directly with clients, students gain hands-on experience managing real-world projects for companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. Meanwhile, organizations will benefit from fresh insights, research, and communication strategies that align with their goals.

"The Center for Corporate Communications will connect students directly to the business community, giving them opportunities to engage in client-based projects, research solutions that address real-world stakeholder communication needs, and help organizations meet strategic goals," said Amiee Shelton, Director of the Center and RWU Public Relations professor. "Serving as both a creative studio and a professional training ground, the experiential Sandcastle PR Lab prepares students to translate classroom learning into business-ready solutions."

CCC launches with its first regional client, the Rhode Island Commercial and Appraisal Board of REALTORS (RICABOR), which serves brokers and licensees across the commercial real estate and appraisal industries.

"RICABOR is excited to partner with Roger Williams University's Center for Corporate Communications because we believe fresh perspectives and new energy are exactly what our industry needs," said Robert Fox, President-elect, RICABOR. "By working with such a talented group of students under proven leadership, we're not only gaining innovative PR strategies to better connect with Rhode Island, but also giving the next generation real-world experience that strengthens the entire business community."

Building on RWU's commitment to applied learning, the CCC will offer students opportunities to build professional portfolios, expand networks, and deepen their understanding of corporate environments while providing tangible value to regional partners.

"The Center for Corporate Communications is a huge advancement in Roger Williams University's Public Relations program," said Eryn Parlin, a Public Relations senior from New Sharon, Maine. "The center allows students to get comfortable in an agency-style environment, where we will be acting as full-service account executives to real clients." Parlin, who is the team lead for RICABOR added, "this will also give local businesses a chance to have access to fresh and passionate students who are hungry and well-equipped to succeed at the corporate level."

Students working with professor Amiee Shelton in the the Sandcastle PR Lab at the Providence campus.

"The Center for Corporate Communication represents the very heart of what we strive to achieve at Roger Williams University's Extension School - building bridges between education and the real-world needs of our partners," said Gena E. Bianco, Dean of the RWU Extension School (RWU EXT). "By giving our Bristol campus Public Relations students the opportunity to collaborate directly with EXT's corporate and community partners, we not only strengthen those partnerships but also showcase our shared commitment to providing affordable, flexible, and transformative educational experiences. Together, we are advancing the state's workforce and professional development needs while preparing the next generation of communication leaders."

Strategically located in Providence - the state's hub of government, commerce, and culture - the CCC offers unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and community impact.

"EXT's location in the capital city is vital for the university's engagement with local, regional, and national communities," said Jeffrey Meriwether, Dean of the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education (SHAE). "RWU embraces interdisciplinary education and powerful combinations, and SHAE is pleased to work with such an effective partner in Dean Gena Bianco as our students immerse themselves in new opportunities."

The Center for Corporate Communication's development will continue to roll out in phases following the launch of the center office and Sandcastle PR Lab on Oct. 1. Expansions include research initiatives, thought leadership events, and an academic or industry publication. Together, these initiatives will strengthen RWU's role as a leader in experiential education and thought leadership in the field of corporate communication.