Public relations group honors UF College of Pharmacy staff member

The University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s director of news and communications has been recognized for more than 20 years of exemplary work in the public relations industry.

The Gainesville chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association recently named Linda Homewood, A.P.R., the 2013 John S. Detweiler Professional of the Year. The award, named for UF professor emeritus John S. Detweiler, Ed.D, A.P.R., CPRC, is given each year to someone who honors the highest standards of ethics and performance as a public relations professional.

“I was surprised and really quite honored to receive this recognition,” Homewood said. “Dr. Detweiler was a mentor and the chair of the UF PR department when I was student, so this award has even more meaning to me.”

An alumna of the UF College of Journalism and Communications, Homewood has worked in public relations for government, corporate industry and higher education. She joined the UF staff in 2003 and works closely with the UF Health Communications and UF University Relations offices to report information about research and pharmacy education to local and national news media.

As director of news and communications for the College of Pharmacy, Homewood also assists with marketing for the college’s online masters’ degree programs and is the editor of the GATORx alumni magazine. In support of the college’s development team, she helps to produce donor profiles, video interviews, social media and other communications that keep alumni and supporters engaged and informed about the college.

“She is someone who always demonstrates consistent professionalism and commitment to her role as ‘PR counselor,’” one of Homewood’s nominators wrote. “Linda’s good humor and ongoing curiosity have made her a great source of experience and knowledge at UF.