Schieffer School of Journalism launches student-run agency

Fort Worth, TX

8/29/2006

TCU’s Schieffer School of Journalism is launching Real World Integrated Marketing Communication, a student-run agency that will connect advertising and public relations students with Tarrant County nonprofit organizations to assist them in developing strategic communication strategies. The students will not work on political campaigns and will charge a nominal fee for work completed.

The agency, established through a grant from TCU, will consist primarily of junior and senior students who will recruit nonprofits as clients and work with them on such projects as special events, advertising, communication plans, and public relations.

“We began Real World out of a frustration that we were not able to supervise the work experiences of our ad/pr students as we do our broadcast and print journalism students,” said Tommy Thomason, director of the Schieffer School. “Print students have an on-campus daily newspaper and a magazine, while broadcast students have their own weekly TV news show. Former professionals advise these students and have the goal of giving them the best quality experience they can in a teaching environment.”

Two advisors will assist students in their work. Jack Raskopf, who will serve as director of Real World, is a former TCU professor and owner and founder of Jack Raskopf Commercial Writing, Inc. He has conceptualized and implemented advertising and public relations programs and individual features, ads and commercials in all media for an array of clients including government, profit and nonprofit.  Claudia Butts will serve as the assistant director and graphic artist. Butts established and operated an advertising firm for more than 20 years: her list of clients includes Harris Methodist Health Foundation, Women’s Haven and the Alliance for Children.

For more information on the Real World Integrated Marketing Communication agency, contact Dr. Raskopf at 817-257-5965 or via e-mail at j.raskopf@tcu.edu.