Tombras School Launches New Purpose Project Initiative
The Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations recently announced the launch of the Purpose Project, a new initiative to promote socially valuable research and advance the use of effective communication to positively impact purpose goals.
“Purpose” in this sense operates as the core functionality of an organization—that is, the organization itself is a social enterprise with social impact as a primary purpose of the business. The Purpose Project aims to be a forum wherein business leaders, academics, government and nongovernment leaders, undergraduate and graduate students, and key stakeholders work together to advance purpose goals through effective communication practices. It will also fund and support purpose-driven original research, discussion of ideas, and the sharing of best practices related to purpose communication.
“Advertising and public relations are more than just traditional outcomes,” stated Tombras Assistant Professor of Practice Joe Stabb, who is director of the Purpose Project. “Organizations want communication professionals to assist with systemic social transformations that help the organization operate in a better business environment.”
This initiative will continue to grow over time in its funding and support for purpose-driven work, and directly ties to the land-grant mission of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to connect with Tennesseans and with industries and communities around the world.
“We are thrilled that, through the support of the College of Communication and Information, the Tombras School has launched this initiative that uses purpose-driven research to inform industry best practices in purpose,” said Beth Foster, director and professor of the Tombras School. “The Purpose Project will be a valuable hub for academicians and industry leaders alike to advance work for social good and is the first of its kind in the country.”
Tombras School Launches New Purpose Project Initiative written by Hillary Tune and originally published on the College of Communication & Information site.