Since 2014, the University of West Georgia’s student-led public relations firm, bluestone, has equipped students for their careers before they graduate. Last week, UWG cut the ribbon on the newly transformed bluestone space in UWG’s School of Communication, Film and Media (SCFM). 

The updated space was made possible through the generosity of UWG alumna Amanda Lucey ’06, CEO of The Partnership, trustee of the UWG Foundation Board, and member of UWG’s SCFM Professional Advisory Board. 

“The core of marketing and public relations is storytelling,” said Lucey. “bluestone is not just a wonderful place to learn, but an opportunity to integrate storytelling into our regular practices. As professionals, we elevate and support the next generation, and I am proud to invest in these students to ensure they have the practical applications they need to be successful after graduation.” 

The newly renovated space features easily accessible technology and collaborative work areas designed to simulate a professional agency environment, bridging the gap between academics and industry practice.  

“I am excited to celebrate the power of the work that takes place in bluestone and the impact it has on the workforce needs of our state by providing our students with career-ready competencies in these in-demand fields,” said Dr. Ashwani Monga, UWG’s interim president. “The School of Communication, Film and Media is focused on not only what our students learn but how they learn it, and having a collaborative space, thanks to the generosity of The Partnership, makes experiential learning even more rewarding.” 

bluestone is positioned to continue its mission of empowering students by offering real-world experience in public relations. As the firm evolves, it remains a cornerstone for future leaders in the industry, ensuring UWG graduates are well-prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers. 

“Amanda Lucey has been a champion of training emerging communications professionals,” said Dean of the School of Communication, Film and Media, Dr. Bradford Yates. “Today, we celebrate not only the establishment of bluestone as an official experiential learning program, but also the ongoing success of our programs where theory meets practice.” 

For more information about how you can impact UWG through an endowment, scholarship or annual giving, please visit UWG’s Give West page. 

photography by Hailey Wilkinson