Jeffrey Ashe Ranta
Instructor
Advertising and Public Relations Sequence

B.A., University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
M.A., Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Additional Studies; PhD work in Mass Communication, Naval Surface Warfare Officers School, Naval Gas Turbine Engineering School, Naval Damage Control Assistant School and Defense Information Officers School, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana

With over 15 years of experience in public relations and advertising, Ranta is a winner of the coveted Silver Anvil trophy for Public Relations Excellence and a national champion of public relations. Prior to accepting a full time faculty position at USC, Ranta served USC for four years as an adjunct professor teaching public relations campaigns, writing for PR and co-teaching integrated marketing for the graduate program.

In May of 2006, 2004 and 2002 Ranta led USC Bateman teams to national championships coming out on top of 60-plus universities in each competition. In 2006 Ranta's teams captured two national championships. In 2004 Ranta had two teams of only three in the country selected for national presentation, one finishing first and one finished third. His first run at teaching Bateman in 2002 netted USC a national championship.

In addition to running the Bateman competitions, Ranta also established The Carolina Agency or TCA. A student run firm serving clients in many areas of advertising and public relations, TCA is in its fifth year of existence. TCA students have represented brands like SCANA, the Ronald McDonald Charities, The Colonial Center, The South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, The Arnold School of Public Health, the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator, the Every 11 Minutes Organ Donation Organization and multiple for profit and non-profit entities.

Work completed by TCA students are routinely recognized at local and regional levels in professional competitions sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. The Carolina Agency is one of only a dozen or so student-run, public relations agencies in the country accredited by the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Ranta is also active in communications research specializing in the introduction of new technologies and the need for public relations initiatives to service various publics including investors, end users, educators and stakeholders. Some of his most recent research was presented at the National Hydrogen Conference. Prior to his service in academia, Ranta served in positions of leadership and success with PR/Marketing Communications and Advertising agencies throughout eh Southeast including a Vice Presidency at WeberShandwick Worldwide’s Miami Office and Senior Public Relations Manager at Tortorici and Company in Atlanta.

Brands and clients previously represented include BellSouth, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, Shoney's, Rubbermaid, Golden Corral, various Ford, GM and Honda dealerships and Polaris/Victory motorcycle retailers across the southeast.

In addition, Ranta has represented a variety of executive service and consulting companies including Edwards & Angell LLC, Steel Hector & Davis LLC, First South Bank, Arthur Andersen, Union Planters Bank, Breakstone Luxury Homes, Encore Home Automation, AV Lifestyles home automation/security and others.

Ranta began his professional career as a Naval Officer. His military qualifications include qualifications as a Surface Warfare officer, a Naval Public Affairs officer, and separate achievements as a Tactical Action Officer, Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and Damage Control Assistant.

Ranta served the Navy as Public Affairs Officer, ashore and afloat, handling international and national media relations as well as issue-oriented public relations, grass roots public affairs, community relations, and internal communications for the aircraft carrier USS Constellation, The Philadelphia Naval Base and the Navy’s Chief of Information, Southeastern Office in Atlanta.

On a more personal note, Ranta is a prolific writer addressing varied topics including entrepreneurial advice, salt-water fish keeping and promotion of new technologies. Ranta currently runs a consulting firm named Big Fish Advertising and Public Relations. Big Fish currently assists companies and entities interested in integrated, comprehensive marketing communications including but not limited to, alternative energy technologies as well as professional legal and medical services.

E-mail: ranta@mailbox.sc.edu

Office:
Phone: 803.777.4614
Fax: 803.777.4103
Room: Coliseum 3006C

Hours:
T, Th, F, 9-10:45 a.m.
M 1:30 – 2 p.m.
And by appointment

Syllabus:
Posted on Blackboard