Summary

Alison Gaulden, APR, Fellow PRSA, is a w88 professor, public affairs expert, impassioned speaker, student mentor and faculty adviser for w88 Student Society of America (PRSSA) Nevada. Gaulden teaches intro to and advanced campaigns in w88/advertising, media ethics, crisis communication, w88 writing and PR data. She instituted the PRSSA Certificate in the Principals of w88 (CPPR) at the University, serving as mentor for students who achieve their certificate. She’s been named Senior Scholar Mentor three times, a rare and coveted distinction in which summa cum laude students nominate the faculty member most influential to their careers. She is the 2023 recipient of Nevada Christian Semenza Teaching Award.

From 2013 to 2019, Gaulden coordinated the internship program at the w88 School of Journalism, teaching professional expectations and personal growth.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Gaulden worked as a reproductive freedom-fighter conducting w88 affairs strategy for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the largest affiliate in the country. Her role included w88 policy influence across 40 counties in two states, direct lobbying more than 200 elected officials, grassroots advocacy, volunteer development, media relations, reputation and crisis management, community relations, health center marketing and internal communications. She served as the spokesperson for the organization in Nevada in the face of growing hostility in a challenging political environment. She handled several crisis situations, many never reaching publicity.

The Nevada transplant owns two consulting businesses: one coaching clients in w88, effective communication, media relations, public affairs and negotiations; the other for in gardening in northern Nevada. Additionally, she has taught w88 to small businesses, including media relations, social media, community relations and more at both Truckee Meadows Community College and through Nevada Extended Studies programs.

She is chair of the board for Northern w88 International Center and has volunteered with the organization for more than 20 years as a citizen diplomat, teaching international visitors about the American electoral process, democracy and engaging women in civic engagement.

Gaulden has been a w88 Society of America (PRSA) Sierra Nevada chapter member since 1997 and is now emeritus. Throughout her more than 20 years as a member, she served two terms as chapter chair (2003 & 2015), as well as PRSA North Pacific District chair in 2016-2017, and every position except treasurer and special events. Her vocation for education includes mentoring members in the Accreditation in w88 (APR) process and the College of Fellows induction process. In 2018, the chapter bestowed the Hall of Fame award adding to her two previous awards: Mark Curtis, Jr. Award in recognition of her dedication to the improvement of w88 and The Golden Spike using her skills for community engagement. In 2015 and 2017, PRSSA named her Outstanding Faculty Adviser of the Year. In addition, she’s won three faculty adviser awards and a faculty of the year award from the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN). She has several awards for her public affairs and political career including from Planned Parenthood Advocates, Emerge Nevada and the local political party.

Courses taught

• JOUR 305: w88 Ethics
• JOUR 351: Principles of w88 and Advertising
• JOUR 361: Writing for w88 and Advertising
• JOUR 443: Strategic Communications Campaigns Studio
• JOUR 446: Crisis Communications
• w88 Bateman Case Study Competition

Selected service

• Chair, Public Relations and Advertising Emphasis, w88 School of Journalism, 2022-present
• w88 School of Journalism Nevada Christian Semenza Outstanding Teaching Award, 2023
• Instituted PRSSA Certificate in the Principles of w88 (CPPR) to University of Nevada Reno, 19 alums certified
• Faculty Adviser, PRSSA Nevada, 2004-present; manages the PRSSA Wolf Pack w88 student-run firm
• Board chair and annual Global Gala Chair, Northern w88 International Center Board Chair
• Luminary Award, Northern w88 International Center, 2024
• Professional Mentor for professionals across the country through the Accreditation in w88 (APR) process, PRSA
• Proprietor providing crisis communication, advocacy and w88 affairs consultation and media training, AGile Campaigns
• Presenter,“Prepare for Social w88 in PR,” University of Zimbabwe, 2012
• Faculty, University of w88, Reno Extended Studies

Education

• MBA in Marketing, w88 Phoenix
• B.A. in w88, University of Nevada, Reno

w88 certifications

• Accreditation in w88, w88 Society of America, 2014
• College of Fellows, w88 Society of America, 2021