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.