Taylor Bryant, assistant professor of public relations at the University of West Georgia, was recently named one of the state’s top communicators by the Georgia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Bryant received the award during a recent awards ceremony at Emory University’s Miller-Ward House.

Bryant has led a successful career in both radio and public relations. Receiving more than 10 awards for her service in educating and mentoring youth through radio programming and community-wide events, she was humbled by this particular award.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award along with some of the state’s greatest public relations and communication professionals,” Bryant said. “Every position and accomplishment I’ve had in this field started out as dreams, so it’s humbling to have my years of work in this field and the community recognized.”

Following a successful career in radio, she worked her way up as a public relations professional, managing award-winning campaigns and implementing effective internal and external strategy at various levels.

Before returning to UWG as a professor, Bryant served as the director of communications at the University of Alabama, where she oversaw all communications and media relations for more than 38,000 students and 14,000 faculty and staff.

“We knew we hired an outstanding professional to serve our students as a clinical assistant professor in the area of public relations,” said Brad Yates, interim chair and professor of UWG’s Department of Mass Communications. “This award confirms we made an excellent choice. Our students are so fortunate to learn from Professor Bryant as she is a highly committed teacher and mentor who is dedicated to preparing students to be successful communications professionals.”

This award comes as Bryant is completing her first year as a professor at UWG, an experience she says has been extremely rewarding.

“My career experiences and journey play a major role in how I teach and prepare my students,” Bryant explained. “There aren’t always clear paths to success, but identifying your passions and pursuing those will always get you on the right track, and I believe that’s exactly what I’m living out as a professor.”

The Forty Under 40 award, given by the second-largest chapter in the nation, honored the state’s best and brightest young communication professionals, including those from Georgia Public Broadcasting, the M. Arthur Blank Family Foundation, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, to name a few.

“Our 40 winners have demonstrated remarkable skills and leadership early in their careers as well as insight, drive and commitment,” said Jasmine Hoffman, APR, PRSA Georgia president. “We are thrilled to recognize these young professionals who are driving the dynamic future of the communications industry. We also are pleased to acknowledge the four organizations that create the training, culture and experiences that nurture future communications leaders.”