The Dr. Jay D. Rayburn Endowed Professorship was established in 2021 in tribute to Dr. Rayburn's many years of teaching at the FSU College of Communication and Information and the significant contributions he made to the public relations industry.

Dr. Rayburn acted as an influential figure in the FSU community before his retirement in 2020, teaching integrated marketing and public relations for 35 years. Dr. Rayburn made a lasting impact on his students and colleagues and is fondly remembered by the Seminole community and beyond for his mentorship and friendship. He also was a guiding figure for numerous professionals seeking to establish a career in public relations.

Hear what a few former students had to say about Dr. Rayburn’s legacy:

• Sandi Poreda, APR ('05)

"Dr. Jay Rayburn was the embodiment of excellence in professorship—a respected scholar, a practitioner of national renown and a wonderful teacher. He was also a terrific human being."

• Joe Snowden ('89)

Leave a testimonial on how Dr. Rayburn influenced your life.

Through his dedication to the public relations industry, Dr. Rayburn made incredible advancements, such as serving as president of the Florida Public Relations Association in 1994. He also held leadership positions with the Public Relations Society of America and the FSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

The College of Communication and Information hopes to honor Dr. Rayburn's legacy at FSU through the Dr. Jay D. Rayburn Endowed Professorship. Your support will help ensure the college maintains the level of professionalism Dr. Rayburn established at FSU, allowing the college to recruit a scholar with an impressive background in public relations and fund academic research for future developments in the field.