Shaping The Future of Media Professions
The Russell Program at Presbyterian College, established in 1986 through an endowment from the Russell and Arnold families, cultivates sophisticated communication and media skills by connecting academic coursework with professional media experience. The Program focuses on the ethical, creative, and interpersonal dimensions of communication rather than just technical training.
Through courses, student media organizations, paid internships, and funded grants, students gain hands-on experience in media production and collaborative projects. The Russell Committee governs the Program and takes an active role in mentoring student leaders and interns, creating a learning environment where students develop technical skills alongside critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and professional communication abilities essential for any career field.
The Three Primary Components of The Russell Program:
Russell Grant Program
Russell Grant Program
The Program offers grants to students, faculty, and staff to support media-related projects and course development that align with the Program’s mission of developing sophisticated interpersonal communication skills and media awareness.
Student Media Organizations
Student Media Organizations
The Program oversees and supports four dynamic student media organizations that serve both the Presbyterian College community and the broader Laurens County area. These organizations—The BlueStocking newspaper, BlueTube video content, Figs & Thistles literary magazine, and WPCX radio station—provide students with real-world media experience while producing content that represents the college professionally.
Russell Paid Internships (RPI)
Russell Paid Internships (RPI)
The Program offers competitive, year-long paid internships that provide students with intensive professional experience across various campus departments. These internships require formal application processes, regular mentorship, and the development of professional portfolios.
Experience That Opens Doors While Getting Paid
Earn while you learn! Develop practical skills and professional relationships that give you a head start on your career.
- Career Readiness:
Employers want graduates who can hit the ground running, not just those with theoretical knowledge
- Competitive Edge:
Real-world experience differentiates you in a crowded job market
- Skill Development:
You learn tools, workflows, and professional norms that can’t be taught in a classroom
- Network Building:
Internships create connections with industry professionals who can mentor you and open doors
Russell Paid Intern Experience
The Russell Program Interns have advanced skills in journalism, media, and communications.
RPIs work in various offices on campus including:
- Marketing Communications
- Athletics
- Career and Professional Development
- Student Life
- And more!
Various internship roles include:
- Social media
- Public relations
- Writing
- Video media
- Photography
Interns are carefully selected through a competitive application process and are placed in campus offices that offer mentoring and meaningful work experience.
3
Credit hours
10
Minimum hours a week
$10
Pay an hour
Hear From RPI Students
Watch this student-created video showcasing talented interns gaining professional experience across campus.
The Russell Paid Internship Program has been incredible for my career development. I’m gaining real-world marketing experience managing social media campaigns while getting paid for doing what I love. The mentorship and hands-on projects have given me the confidence and skills I’ll need to launch my marketing career after graduation.
Sloan Spees ’26
Make Your Mark
IN STUDENT MEDIA
PC offers four student media platforms where you control the content. Whether you’re writing breaking news, spinning tracks on air, or producing viral videos, PC’s student media outlets give you real platforms to create—and get paid doing it with funds from the Russell Endowment.