Rising leader in PR: Kiley Trecker on balancing academics, leadership and career goals

For most students, balancing coursework, leadership roles and career preparation are a challenge. For Kiley Trecker, it’s a way of life. As a concurrent undergraduate and graduate student at Iowa State University, she is not only completing a degree in public relations and communication studies but also leading the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Barbara Riedesel Iverson Chapter while navigating multiple internships. 

Now in her third year at Iowa State, Trecker is on track to graduate early and continue pursuing a master’s degree. While juggling a demanding academic schedule, she has also been deeply involved in campus organizations. She is a peer mentor along with being a graduate teaching assistant.  

“I’ve always liked staying busy, and I love being part of different groups,” she said. “Between PRSSA, the Student Leadership Team and being a student ambassador, I’ve had the chance to grow and connect with so many people.” 

As PRSSA president, Trecker has played a pivotal role in rebuilding the organization after the COVID-19 pandemic. Membership numbers had dropped, and the club was on the verge of losing its national affiliation due to low engagement. 

“When I stepped into the role, we were struggling with participation,” she said. “We had to recruit members and remind students why PRSSA is valuable.” 

One of her key initiatives was reintroducing the Spring Agency Tour, which had not taken place in several years. Under her leadership, PRSSA organized a trip to Kansas City, where students visited top public relations firms. The event was a success, and this year, the group will travel to Minneapolis. 

“We want students to see what working in PR is actually like,” she said. “These trips give us hands-on exposure and networking opportunities we wouldn’t get in a classroom.” 

Beyond the agency tour, PRSSA hosts biweekly meetings featuring guest speakers and workshops. The focus is on bridging the gap between students and professionals, helping members gain insight into industry expectations. 

Trecker has also built an impressive resume with multiple internships. Her first internship was with St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa, where she began to understand the fundamentals of public relations. Since then, she has gained experience working with both internal and external communications teams for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  

“That one was a big step for me,” she said. “Working in a corporate environment was intimidating at first, but it pushed me to grow.” 

“It was cool to see how PR and marketing work together,” she said. “It gave me a better understanding of the bigger picture.” 

Her internships have also helped her complete Greenlee’s 399 requirement, a capstone internship experience that many students find stressful. However, she said the process was smoother than expected. 

“People get so anxious about it, but once you’re in the internship, you realize it’s just about applying what you’ve learned,” she said. 

With a passion for healthcare communication, she hopes to enter the field after completing her graduate degree. Her long-term goal is to become a vice president of communications in the healthcare sector. 

“There’s so much importance in how healthcare organizations communicate with the public,” she said. “It’s something I want to be a part of.” 

Looking back, she credits the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication for preparing her for her career. She highlighted the mentorship from professors and the hands-on learning opportunities as key factors in her success. 

“I’ve taken classes where the professors really take the time to know you,” she said. “That kind of relationship-building makes a huge difference.” 

For students looking to enter public relations, she emphasizes the importance of getting involved and building relationships. 

“Join clubs, go to networking events, talk to professionals—those connections will help you in the long run,” she said. 

As she prepares for the next step in her journey, she remains focused on growing as a leader and making an impact in the field of PR and communications. 

“Iowa State has given me so many opportunities, and I want to keep pushing myself,” she said. “There’s always more to learn.”