Editorial Record: Submitted May 15, 2023. Revised November 29, 2023. Accepted
December 18, 2023 by past Editor-in Chief Pamela Bourland-Davis.
Amanda J. Weed
Associate Professor
Kennesaw State University
Georgia, USA
Email: aweed2@kennesaw.edu
Adrienne A. Wallace
Associate Professor
Grand Valley State University
Michigan, USA
Email: wallacad@gvsu.edu
Betsy Emmons
Associate Professor
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Nebraska, USA
Email: eemmons3@unl.edu
Alisa Agozzino
Associate Professor
Ohio Northern University
Ohio, USA
Email: a-agozzino@onu.edu
ABSTRACT
This mixed-method study provides the first known scholarly research specifically about the PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition. Through triangulation of data from a survey, focus groups, and public data analysis, the authors explored the benefits and challenges of Bateman as an experiential learning program in public relations education. While promoted by the PRSSA organization as “the premier national case study competition for public relations students” (PRSSA, n.d.), research insights indicate that Bateman falls short in meeting students’ educational needs, which is reflected in a 41.7% decrease in competition entries since 2018. Study findings provide support for several research-based recommendations to improve competition practices related to the competition timeline, experiential learning outcomes, organizational communication, judging practices, and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion of Bateman student teams.