Honoring Dr. Pamela Bourland-Davis: A Lifetime Commitment to Public Relations Education
We are deeply saddened to share that Dr. Pamela G. Bourland-Davis recently passed.
Pam was an avid supporter of CPRE. She recently served as co-chair of the Commission’s Research Committee, and she co-edited the 50th 2023 Signature report, Navigating Change: Recommendations for Advancing Undergraduate Public Relations Education. In that leadership role, she helped develop surveys for educators and practitioners, analyzed the results, and wrote the report. Her leadership and contributions continue to shape how public relations is taught worldwide. In 2024, Pam was elected vice chair of CPRE and was set to assume the role of co-chair for the 2025–2027 term.
Pam’s influence reached well beyond CPRE. She was a past editor of the Journal of Public Relations Education, led the Public Relations Division of AEJMC from 2000–2001, and served as President of the Southern States Communication Association in 2020. In November 2024, the PRIDE Committee of NCA recognized her for her contributions to public relations education, especially her work on the CPRE Signature Report and her commitment to sharing its findings across the field through NCA, SSCA, AEJMC, and PRSA.
While these many accomplishments reflect Pam’s dedication to advancing the profession, what we will remember most is how she led. Pam stepped in when help was needed. She never judged, never looked for credit, and always had CPRE’s best interests at heart. She listened more than she talked in meetings. And when she did speak, she offered wise insight. She remained calm during heated conversations, was generous with her time, and supported her colleagues and friends. Dr. Elizabeth Toth said the best word to describe Pam was gracious, noting that Pam “encouraged me every day with her strength, intellect, talent, and friendship.”
Pam’s passing is felt deeply across the public relations community, including ours. Her commitment to mentoring, service, collaboration, and advocacy will continue to inspire us. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and academic colleagues. We will share information about memorials and tributes as they become available.
Purpose
Since 1973 The Commission on Public Relations Education seeks to be the trusted global voice on public relations education for universities, professional associations, and accrediting bodies. It conducts groundbreaking research as the basis for state-of-the-art curricula that prepares the next generation of practitioners who must meet the challenges of a fast-growing industry in a complex society. CPRE creates ongoing dialogues between public relations educators and practitioners, leading to initiatives that positively impact public relations education for the benefit of all.
Mission
The Commission is a committed and collaborative leader in advancing excellence in public relations education and the industry worldwide by:
- Providing benchmarks, standards, and guidelines on public relations education for universities, professional associations, and accrediting bodies.
- Developing and promoting actionable, strategic, and forward-looking research, recommendations, and resources that benefit public relations education and the profession.
- Building bridges between public relations education and the profession by facilitating mutually productive dialogue and collaboration.
- Fostering diversity, inclusion, equity, ethics, and global perspectives as the foundation of its work.
Commitment to Ethics
The Commission is committed to ethical principles in every aspect of its operation. The Commission champions honesty and accuracy and treats research participants with dignity when its members conduct and share research knowledge. Commission members avoid real, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest when they work with vendors or donors. Commission members treat colleagues with respect and inclusivity and refrain from any form of discrimination or harassment.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Commission holds integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence as core values that guide all conduct, performance, and decisions. The Commission does not discriminate based on identity, including but not limited to categories of age, color, ethnicity, family status, gender expression or identity, genetic information, immigration status, intellectual or physical ability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic class, veteran status, or stance on social justice issues. The Commission is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages diversity of ideas and points of view in creating an environment for achieving excellence.
Purpose
Since 1973 The Commission on Public Relations Education seeks to be the trusted global voice on public relations education for universities, professional associations, and accrediting bodies. It conducts groundbreaking research as the basis for state-of-the-art curricula that prepares the next generation of practitioners who must meet the challenges of a fast-growing industry in a complex society. CPRE creates ongoing dialogues between public relations educators and practitioners, leading to initiatives that positively impact public relations education for the benefit of all.
Mission
The Commission is a committed and collaborative leader in advancing excellence in public relations education and the industry worldwide by:
- Providing benchmarks, standards, and guidelines on public relations education for universities, professional associations, and accrediting bodies.
- Developing and promoting actionable, strategic, and forward-looking research, recommendations, and resources that benefit public relations education and the profession.
- Building bridges between public relations education and the profession by facilitating mutually productive dialogue and collaboration.
- Fostering diversity, inclusion, equity, ethics, and global perspectives as the foundation of its work.
Commitment to Ethics
The Commission is committed to ethical principles in every aspect of its operation. The Commission champions honesty and accuracy and treats research participants with dignity when its members conduct and share research knowledge. Commission members avoid real, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest when they work with vendors or donors. Commission members treat colleagues with respect and inclusivity and refrain from any form of discrimination or harassment.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Commission holds integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence as core values that guide all conduct, performance, and decisions. The Commission does not discriminate based on identity, including but not limited to categories of age, color, ethnicity, family status, gender expression or identity, genetic information, immigration status, intellectual or physical ability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic class, veteran status, or stance on social justice issues. The Commission is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages diversity of ideas and points of view in creating an environment for achieving excellence.
Website Acknowledgments
CPRE extends sincere appreciation to:
The Institute for Public Relations for creating and maintaining our website, ensuring its ongoing functionality and impact.
8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications for a generous one-time design overhaul that enhanced key pages and usability.