We would like to introduce you to Trenay Perry Bynum. Professor Bynum joined Belmont University in fall 2021. Her educational background includes:
- Liberty University, Ph.D., Strategic Media (in progress)
- Cumberland University, MSP, Public Service Management
- Tennessee State University, BS, Mass Communications & Theatre
Why Publie Relations?
During my junior year at Tennessee State University, I took a public relations course and was drawn to the variety of ways the discipline could be applied. I purchased a textbook and spent the summer before my senior year studying. For my senior project, I pitched a public relations campaign to the honor society’s faculty adviser to increase awareness of the honor society and its end-of-the-year event. Surprisingly, the 13-year-old who sang Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love of All grew up to become Monica, a well-known R&B performer. When interviewing for jobs after college, I used the campaign as a writing sample, which helped me land my first writing job at Meharry Medical College. Ten years later, I accepted a PR manager position with the Nashville Symphony. Though my 30-year career in strategic communications has included various tactics, including event planning, marketing, collateral development, and social media, public relations has remained a favorite due to its foundation in relationship building.
What brought you to Belmont?
Belmont University is remarkable, though I did not fully understand the depth of its mission until I experienced orientation. In 2020, I enrolled in a doctoral program in strategic media with the goal of transitioning into university teaching as an encore career. Initially, I assumed that path would lead me back to my alma mater.
Dr. Kevin Trowbridge, however, recognized my enthusiasm and opened the door to Belmont. During my interview with him, I witnessed his passion for both the university and the profession, which affirmed that Belmont would be the right fit.
Something you want students to know:
PR techniques can be applied to personal/student branding (what I call Real Life Branding), as it is never too early to position oneself for their dream job. Stop scrolling and start creating on your favorite social media channel!
Personal Life:
I’m from Los Angeles and married to Quinton, who is from Memphis. Our daughter is a graduate of Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School, Nashville’s first public school founded in 1912. She aspires to become a veterinarian. Our family also includes two pets: Wyatt, a bulldog, and Oliver, a cat.
Follow Professor Bynum on social media!
Twitter: @tlpbynum
Instagram: @tlpbynum
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trenaybynum/
Occasional Blog: https://trenayperrybynum.com/blog