McKenzie Kurosu, communications coordinator at Olomana Loomis ISC, becomes the first UH graduate to earn a Certificate in Principles of Public Relations from the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) operated by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
The certificate is designed to demonstrate a fundamental competency and knowledge for graduates entering the public relations profession. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is now recognized as a participating university. McKenzie graduated in May 2025 as a double-major in Communication and Journalism, and received the certificate in December 2025 after taking required courses and an exam. “This certificate really helps bridge the gap between what you learn in a classroom and real-world applications,” McKenzie continued, “Having this on your resume helps you stand out to recruiters, and it serves as a great first step if you decide to pursue your APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) later in your career.”
Public relations or related majors can apply for the certificate, and they must be members of PRSSA or student chapters of UAB participating organizations. At UH, McKenzie completed the public relations coursework and subsequently served the David A. Ward chapter of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) as a director of communication and vice president.
“It (PRSSA) was a career-defining experience. Beyond the leadership roles, I had the chance to travel to California for the ICON conference and network with professionals and peers who share my passion for the industry,” McKenzie said. For the student interested in the certificate, McKenzie also recommends, “Find a mentor to help guide you through the process and study consistently.”