Phyllis Larsen has a passion for working with students to help organizations tell their stories authentically and ethically. She created and taught a full complement of public relations courses ranging from introductory to graduate level strategy and management classes in addition to teaching advertising and mass media courses. Her advocacy work within the college helped broaden the previous advertising major to a more integrated strategic communication approach. 

To support students outside the classroom, Larsen developed the college’s most enduring mentoring program with one-to-one matches of students with working professionals. She is the longest serving faculty advisor to UNL’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (2000-2019). During that time, the chapter amassed awards such as national Star Chapter status, Best of Show at PRSA Nebraska’s Paper Anvil Awards, and Outstanding Student Organization at the UNL Student Impact Awards. Larsen also served as instructor and advisor for nationally recognized Bateman teams’ PR competitions. 

In addition to campus-based classes, Larsen taught live and asynchronous distance education courses long before the methodology became commonplace. She embraced learning outside the classroom, leading students to Cuba, Costa Rica and Mexico for study abroad courses. And odd as it may seem in Nebraska, Larsen was UNL’s scuba instructor for many years with certification from the Professional Assoc. of Dive Instructors. 

Larsen continues to nurture an adventurous spirit by traveling, diving, hiking and skiing. She appreciates reconnecting with students and alumni as well as volunteer work to serve a common good.   

Larsen’s honors include multiple teaching awards from UNL’s Parents Association and Teaching Council, several community service awards and having her research published in academic journals and the Encyclopedia of Public Relations.

Prior to joining the UNL faculty in 2000, Larsen was a communications professional for 20 years. After working as a producer at KOLN-TV, she began her service to UNL in the Office of University Information in 1986. She produced a weekly radio program, special event videos and the PSA’s for national broadcasts of Husker football games. She became UNL’s Director of Public Relations in 1993, supervising a 25-person staff responsible for campus-wide media relations, publications and photography, special events, crisis communication, institutional reputation management, and marketing strategies. Larsen initiated the UNL’s first integrated marketing communications plan and wrote its first crisis communication plan.

Larsen also served the campus by providing media training and communication workshops to various departments as well as non-profit organizations. She continued communication consulting throughout her years as a faculty member as well as serving on community service boards and leading the steering committee of Husker Cats, an organization caring for the campus colonies of feral felines.

Larsen holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well as APR designation, an internationally recognized public relations professional accreditation.

After 33 years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Larsen retired in 2019 but has continued to serve as a supporter and mentor to students.