Tania Rosas-Moreno, Ph.D., professor of communication at Loyola University Maryland, was named a finalist in PRNews’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Diversity Awards for the Outstanding Educator of the Year category.

“Finalists for the PRNews CSR and Diversity Awards represent communicators who work to better their communities, to amplify voices of marginalized groups, and dedicate themselves to social causes. This is a process, not a destination,” Rosas-Moreno said. “I feel I work in harmony with my departmental colleagues to challenge my own personal assumptions, to make myself uncomfortable and vulnerable, to question how I can do more to be more inclusive, just, and equitable.”

The award has a thorough application process, and each entry must include a case study and supplemental materials, which include scholarly, course-related materials, and three recommendation letters.

“It is no surprise that Dr. Rosas-Moreno is a finalist for this award as her work with diversity, equity, and inclusion in her Public Relations Capstone, International Communication, and general Public Relations courses is well-documented by her students, community, and fellow faculty,” said Sara Magee, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of communication.

The PR Capstone focuses on training students to become ethical public relations practitioners through developing and enacting public relations plans. In a given semester, Rosas-Moreno oversees on average four campaigns for local non-profits.

“In my PR course, my students work specifically with nonprofit organizations to assist marginalized communities and to give a voice to those who are often voiceless,” Rosas-Moreno said. “At the semester’s end, we recognize that our work is not complete, but we hope we have made a positive change in the local community.”

Rosas-Moreno asks her students to reflect on and discern several questions over the entirety of the semester: “For whom am I working? Am I delivering a good product? How am I impacting society? What change am I making?” In asking her students to think about these questions, she pushes them to work well for the greater good of the community. To date, Rosas-Moreno has overseen more than 70 campaigns in her course and numerous PRSSA endeavors, including at least 10 anti-human trafficking campaigns, with some receiving national recognition.

The winner of the award will be announced on April 27. View a full list of finalists and categories.