This study examined how the public relations function was perceived by top administrators as viewed by public relations directors (Phase 1), and how that perception compares with the "ideal" or preferred function as indicated by public relations within Indiana colleges and universities (Phase 2). Out of 46 possible subjects, 32 participated in a survey which represented a 70% response rate.After Q-Sorts have been tabulated, the researcher concluded that respondents from phase 1 were divided in their responses into two equal groups with no clear majority of response being represented consistently. On the other hand, phase 2 respondents showed strong conviction with a dominant majority of respondents showing consistency in their selection. / Department of Journalism