For many years, SRPI has helped elementary, middle, high school, and college students acquire skills in communications, journalism, and public relations. The two-day event will feature many local and regional professionals presenting topics in multimedia and digital communications, journalism, public relations, and strategic communications. This year’s theme is “From College to Career: Building Skills, Connections, and Opportunities.”
“As an SSU alum, I know firsthand the power of this institute to transform a student’s potential into professional reality,” said SRPI Director Kareem McMichael. “Our theme, From College to Career, is a promise that we are here to provide the tangible skills and real-world connections necessary to succeed. We aren’t just teaching media; we are launching careers.”
This year’s keynote speakers are SSU alumni Neisha Rogers and CJ Jackson, AKA CJ the DJ. Rogers is an award-winning storyteller, media producer, and international speaker. Jackson, director of programming at Cumulus Media, is a veteran DJ with a background in radio, promotions, event planning/marketing, and music production. More than 15 nationally recognized media professionals will attend and lead workshops.
Founded in 1951, SRPI is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in 2026. For 75 years, the SRPI has been a beacon for aspiring journalists and communicators, particularly within the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community. From 2013 to 2025, the institute hosted more than 250 professional guest speakers.
“As we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee, we are not just looking back at our historic legacy, we are forging the future, McMichael said.
For more information, contact McMichael at mcmichaelk@savannahstate.edu or 912-358-3378.
