Georgia State University's Department of Public Information functioned as the media communications and publicity arm of the university. The Department originated as the Office of Public Relations (1957-1974). The Department of Public Information was created in January 1974 and reported, with three other units, to the Office of University Relations under the Vice President for Urban Affairs until the 1979-1980 academic year. The Department of Public Information changed its name to the Department of University Relations in 1996.
The Department of Public Information's reporting lines changed over time. Known as the Public Relation Office from 1970-1974, it reported first to the Associate Vice President of the university and then to the Vice President for Urban Affairs. The new Department of Public Information came under the jurisdiction of the Director of the Office of University Relations, who reported to the Vice President for Urban Affairs (1974-1977); in 1977 the Department became separate from University Relations, with the Director of Public Information reporting directly to the Vice President for Urban Affairs (1977-1981). Public Information then came under the Vice President for Academic Services (1981-1985), the Assistant Vice President for Academic Services (1985-1989), the Vice President for University Advancement (1989-1995), and the Vice President for External Affairs (1995-present [2004]).
From the description of Records of the Department of Public Information ca. 1930-1992; undated. (Georgia State University). WorldCat record id: 67838570
