The path to becoming the leader of the Waynesburg University PRSSA Chapter is no easy feat. With the right credentials and experience, one can apply, but then must be voted in.

Senior public relations major Maura Fenske has been the President of the Waynesburg chapter for the past two years.

She accepted the role in May of 2016. It was her work driven attitude that allowed her to pave a path for her success

“It was intimidating coming in knowing how successful the chapter had been,” said Fenske. “I did not want to stall, I just wanted to keep pushing forward and more forward.”

Fenske describes herself as a perfectionist.

During her time at school, she has learned to balance her priorities in order to drive for the chapter’s success.

She has pushed herself to be the very best and to always learn from her failures.

Last year, Fenske was applying for the Bob O’Gara Student Scholar Award. After finding out she did not get the award, she strived to be better for the next year. That passion led the chapter president to win the Bob O’Gara Student Scholar Award in 2018.

Maintaining the presidency allowed Fenske to think about the chapter’s future, even when she is no longer there.

“When I’m gone, hopefully they can take these roles now and run with them,” said Fenske.

She hopes the upcoming students will continue the success. Additionally, she has another goal to expand the program with more members.

Even though Fenske spends a lot of time working for the chapter and the school, she is now finding time to hang out with her friends more often.

Time management is crucial for managing both school work and a personal life.

“I just started figuring out as a senior to make time for friends because that is important,” said Fenske.

Fenske is going to continue in her career path and “hit the ground running.” She is now on the PRSA Board of Directors for 2018, and is “very excited to work on that.” Fenske hopes to break into the industry and find a job from all of her networking.

“I would like to be a great alumnus and give back to the chapter,” said Fenske.

She plans to leave her presence even when she is not physically here anymore. For her, if at first you do not succeed, you can guarantee she will the next time.