USN earns public relations awards for diversity work

Our independent school was recognized among regional and national public relations agencies and multinational corporations with four Parthenon Awards for the nine-month campaign “Renewing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at USN,” which culminated with the 2021 DEI Report.
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Communications Director

University School of Nashville has been recognized with several regional public relations industry awards for its work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. During the Public Relations Society of America, Nashville Chapter’s 36th Annual Parthenon Awards Banquet on Monday, August 26, USN earned four Parthenon Awards for:
  • Most Effective Campaign on a Shoestring Budget (Under $5,000)
  • Most Effective Corporate Social Responsibility Campaign
  • Most Effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Campaign
  • Reputation and Brand Management
Despite it being the first school in the city to desegregate school-wide and its mission to be “an [educational] environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville,” USN faced tough criticism from students and young alumni regarding its commitment to diversity in summer 2020 as the nation faced a racial reckoning. During a well-coordinated communications campaign, administrators: went on a robust listening tour of its audiences; developed an internal audit to track DEI-related work; created a written report and accompanying magazine articles to share their results and reflections on ongoing DEI work; and, measured responses through surveys and focus groups. Through the nine-month campaign “Renewing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at USN,” the school was not only successful in reassuring its commitment to DEI work among its students, families, and alumni but also exceeded brand awareness goals, garnered national attention, and renewed donor support.

PRSA Nashville’s Parthenon Awards recognize exceptional work and thought leadership from the Middle Tennessee public relations community and are bestowed to projects and programs that demonstrate excellence in the public relations profession. This year, 169 programs and projects were entered across a broad range of industries and public relations disciplines were submitted this year, and public relations professionals in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and West Virginia were the judges. The highest scoring programs and projects earn Parthenon Awards. USN was recognized among regional and national public relations agencies and multinational corporations, including McDonald’s, Firehouse Subs, Bridgestone Americas, and Jack Daniel’s.
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
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    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
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  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
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Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

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1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.