Educators Academy Honors Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA, with 2025 David Ferguson Award

NEW YORK, November 5, 2025 - The Public Relations Society of America's (PRSA) Educators Academy is proud to announce Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA, as the recipient of the 2025 David Ferguson Award.

Dvorak is the owner and president of JKD & Company, Inc., and has been a public relations practitioner for more than 35 years. During her distinguished career, she has earned two PRSA Silver Anvil Awards, recognizing outstanding public relations campaigns. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from Colorado State University and was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2010.

"Jane's long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of public relations professionals exemplifies the very spirit of the David Ferguson Award. Her passion for mentorship, education and ethical leadership continues to elevate both PRSA and the industry as a whole," said Joe Stabb, PhD, APR, chair, PRSA Educators Academy and assistant professor of Practice at the Tombras School of Advertising & Public Relations.

The David Ferguson Award honors the late David Ferguson, APR, Fellow PRSA, for his outstanding support of public relations education as PRSA president in 1985 and co-chair of the PRSA Educational Affairs Committee. Ferguson's leadership helped establish PRSA's Certification program and the "five public relations course rule" for PRSSA chapter charters, strengthening the academic foundation of the profession. The award recognizes practitioners whose dedication to public relations education reflects Ferguson's enduring legacy.

Throughout her career, Dvorak has been a passionate advocate for public relations education. She hired her first intern in 1986 while at the Colorado Heart Association and, since 1992, has provided paid internships to more than 80 students representing 18 colleges nationwide.

"Affording students the opportunity to expand their education has always been at the heart of my professional journey," said Dvorak. "I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors who instilled in me the importance of giving back. Whether mentoring students and young professionals or creating programs that bridge the classroom to the professional workplace, I've seen how investing in aspiring communicators strengthens our entire profession. To receive an award that honors that legacy is deeply meaningful to me."

Dvorak has collaborated with multiple universities to support public relations programs. She began serving as the Colorado Chapter PRSSA professional liaison to Colorado State University's PRSSA chapter in 1988, helping strengthen student connections and mentoring future practitioners. In the early 2000s, she helped establish the chapter's professional commitment with PRSSA by creating the Student Outreach Committee, which expanded the Chapter's reach to 11 universities in the region.

Through her leadership, the Colorado Chapter developed "Engage," a one-day event that introduced students to public relations career paths, provided networking opportunities with professionals and fostered meaningful connections within the PRSA community. As a professional adviser, Dvorak frequently attends campus meetings, reviews resumes and conducts mock interviews to prepare students for career success. She has also served as a Bateman Case Study Competition judge and continues to mentor PRSSA members and young professionals.

At the national level, Dvorak served as the 2017 National chair and has championed PRSA and PRSSA collaboration for more than 30 years. In 2023, she co-chaired the PRSA-to-PRSSA Task Force with Heide Harrell, APR, at the request of PRSA Chair Michelle Egan, APR, Fellow PRSA. She previously served as the PRSSA National Liaison in 2014 and delivered a keynote address at the 2024 PRSSA National Conference in Anaheim, alongside Colin Wylie, a PR professional she has mentored since his time on the National PRSSA Board.

Her ongoing dedication has made Dvorak one of PRSSA's most active Champions for PRSSA, helping ensure continued professional and financial support for the next generation of communicators.

About the David Ferguson Award

The David Ferguson Award recognizes public relations practitioners who have made exceptional contributions to advancing public relations education. Ferguson championed academic excellence and the integration of public relations programs within higher education, elevating the profession through curriculum standards and program accreditation. His vision continues to inspire educators and professionals who invest in preparing future leaders of the field.

About PRSA

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers members at every stage of their careers through professional development, networking and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students.

For more information, visit https://www.prsa.org.

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Media Contact:PRSA Communications(212) [email protected]