Phyllis Vance Larsen, APR, M.A.

Professor of Practice

Advertising & Public Relations

Phyllis Larsen teaches public relations and other integrated marketing communication courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Her courses vary from campus-based to study abroad and use traditional classrooms, synchronous distance education and online independent study.

Larsen has been a communications professional for more than 25 years with experience as a writer, television producer, media relations specialist, PR counselor and strategic communication manager.

Serving as the university's director of public relations from 1993-2000, Larsen supervised a 25-person staff responsible for campus-wide media relations, publications and photography, special events, crisis communication and institutional reputation management, marketing and advertising strategies.

Prior to coming to University of Nebraska–Lincoln, she worked in television and video production. In addition to a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she has APR designation as an internationally accredited public relations professional.

Larsen received her sixth Certificate of Recognition for Contributions to Students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Parents Association and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Teaching Council in 2012, the second Spirit of Service Faculty Award in 2011 and the Mortar Board “People Who Inspire” award in 2005. Larsen also serves as the Public Relations Student Society of America faculty advisor. University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s PRSSA chapter was named the Outstanding Student Organization in University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2011 Student Impact Awards. The chapter also won several Awards of Excellence and Best in Show at the 2011 PRSA Nebraska Paper Anvil Awards.

Larsen continues to serve as a communication consultant and workshop presenter, specializing in non-profit organization. She also serves as a volunteer and on several boards at the campus, community, state and international level. In her spare time she loves to travel, scuba dive, study Spanish and fight gravity with extreme sports.