Dr. Kaye Sweetser Honored with SDSU Alumni Award for Inspiring the Next Generation of PR Leaders

When Dr. Kaye Sweetser’s name was announced as a recipient of the SDSU Alumni Association Award, she didn’t see it simply as a personal honor. For her, the recognition was humbling because it placed her alongside colleagues she deeply admires.

“When I look at the superstar scholars and professors from JMS that have received this award, it's a wonderfully humbling type of experience to think that my name is on the same plaque as Dr. Glen Broom and Dr. David Dozier.”

Sweetser’s impact extends far beyond lectures and grading. She plays multiple roles within the School of Journalism and Media Studies, each tied to uplifting students.

“I’m extremely involved in the student experience within JMS, where I'm the Public Relations Student Society of America faculty advisor. I am the director of the Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations and I have held other leadership positions that really work with students,” she explained.

Her teaching style is fueled by what she describes as “zeal” for making sure students gain both practical and theoretical skills. At the same time, she views her advocacy on campus as just as essential. 

“My outspokenness in providing a platform and drawing attention to the voices of particular folks on campus is probably my largest contribution to the SDSU community,” Sweetser said.

Sweetser is also no stranger to professional acclaim. She has earned top industry awards, including the prestigious Silver Anvil, which she explained is considered as the “Oscars” of public relations.

“Professional awards have been very meaningful to me in sending the message that my professional peers think that not only am I doing quality work as a PR professional, but I'm doing the best work of the year.”

Still,  Sweetser said the alumni award feels different.

“What’s fantastic about this SDSU Alumni Award and its focus on teaching is that this showcases the impact that I am having on the next generation of public relations students, professionals and scholars,” she said.

Teaching Philosophy: Tough but Giving

Kaye Sweetser admits her reputation precedes her: she’s known as a tough professor. Yet, she embraces that title with pride.

“My teaching philosophy is very hands-on and very focused in the hard knocks world that they're about to step into,” she said. 

She structures her classes like real-world agencies, with students working in teams, meeting strict deadlines and leading full PR campaigns from research to evaluation.

But Sweetser also emphasizes that she invests just as much energy as she demands. 

“Even though I have these ridiculously high expectations, I too will turn around and give them that much energy, that much feedback, that much mentorship and help them grow throughout the semester.”

In her more than 20 years of teaching, Sweetser has mentored countless students. One story that stands out is from her first SDSU class in fall 2014.

She recalls how a transfer student who was changing careers walked into her 8 a.m. ‘Principles of Public Relations’ class. The student not only fell in love with the industry but stayed at SDSU for a master’s degree under Sweetser’s guidance and then went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

“Now we are peers and colleagues that do research together,” Sweetser said. “That transition of somebody who came in here with the ‘let me just get in here and get it done’ kind of perspective, but then fell in love with the world that I have dedicated my professional life to, is probably the most telling.”

Life Beyond Campus

Sweetser believes that balance fuels her work. Away from SDSU, she finds joy in surfing, sailing and Gator football. Most recently, she has embraced a new role as grandmother.

“I’m in an amazing situation where I don’t have any children myself, but I’m a grandmother of two perfect little babies,” she said with pride. 

Reflecting on her personal life, she explained how these relationships have shaped the way she approaches her career and sense of balance.

“Something that I didn’t have in the earlier part of my career, is the idea of work-life balance and creating boundaries. What I find is that I recharge through all of the great things that I do outside of campus, and that allows me to come back really energized and fresh minded.”

When considering what she hopes her students and colleagues remember most, Sweetser highlighted two values: creativity in everyday experiences and persistence.

“I hope they will remember that every day experiences can be made spectacular and unique,” she said. “I also hope that they will realize that hard work is worth it. The time that you put in will directly result in what you end up with.”