As our chapter members navigate a new year and semester, we pause to remember the trailblazer who laid the foundation for our chapter and served as an extraordinary educator at Ohio University: Dr. Hugh M. Culbertson. In the wake of the death of our co-founder and namesake, we would like to take a moment to reflect on his extraordinary impact on our chapter and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
Dr. Culbertson joined Ohio University’s faculty in 1966. His public relations and journalism students remember him as an exceptional mentor. He described learning as a two-way street where teachers and students can learn from each other. In 1969, he co-founded Ohio University’s PRSSA chapter alongside J. William Click. The chapter was named the Hugh M. Culbertson Scripps PRSSA Chapter in recognition of his unwavering support to its students.
Dr. Eddith Dashiell, the director of E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, worked alongside Dr. Culbertson before his retirement. “In addition to being a great colleague, Dr. Culbertson was also a nurturing mentor to our international graduate students who traveled thousands of miles to earn their degrees from Ohio University,” she said of Dr. Culbertson’s excellent guidance to international students.
Dr. Culbertson’s illustrious career garnered numerous accolades, including the Pathfinder Award for research excellence from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the PRSA Educator of the Year award and the College of Communication’s mentorship award, the L.J. Hortin Award, in 2014-15.
Dr. Dashiell says, “Dr. Culbertson was an integral part of the Scripps School of Journalism for close to 30 years. By the time he retired, he had established an international reputation as a scholar and professional in public relations.” Dr. Culberston retired in 1994 and taught part-time until 2003.
Dr. Culbertson passed away on December 29, 2023. The loss of the man who served as our namesake, co-founder, and inspiration to the public relations field has deeply saddened us. However, his legacy will live on through our chapter, his former students, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Dr. Culbertson’s legacy will live on in the Scripps J-School, and I am grateful to have had the privilege to work with him as a colleague and friend,” says Dr. Dashiell.
We are proud to continue Dr. Culbertson’s legacy through our chapter name. His memory will inspire all current and future members of Scripps PRSSA to carry on his passion for communication, warmth, and strong character.
