About The Brief

“The Brief” is a collection of stories — from Spartan features to campus events — focusing on the Department of Advertising + Public Relations at Michigan State University. Written by undergraduate PR Majors enrolled in PR 320: PR Storytelling for Digital, Video and Print, our mission is to connect past and present Spartans with the Department of AD+PR.

Initiated by Google Analytics data, a website redesign was launched in 2023 for The Brief with goals to enhance user experience, align with university brand and accessibility standards, and increase site engagement via design and mobile scalability.

As a result of the redesign, The Brief was awarded a 2024 PACE Award of Excellence by the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America and a 2024 Silver ADDY Award by the American Advertising Federation Lansing.

Amanda Vasas is a professor of practice and the Public Relations Field Experience Program director for Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences Department of Advertising + Public Relations. As part of her PR 320: PR Storytelling for Digital, Video and Print course, her students make up the editorial team for The Brief.

For questions, feedback and story suggestions, please email avasas@msu.edu.