Florida State University officials say they’re pushing back against recent bashing in the national media. Top administrators are developing a strategic marketing campaign to polish the school’s image.
Board of Trustees Chairman Allan Bense said he’s ready to send fellow trustees, armed with positive talking points, on speaking tours to spread the good news.
“I think it’s time for us to tell the world about how great FSU is. We’ve taken a few shots. I get it. I understand that," Bense said.
At a board of trustees meeting on Monday, Bense complained about bad ink in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times that zeroed in on rape allegations against Seminole Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jameis Winston.
The accuser sued FSU, alleging Title 9 violations. FSU President John Thrasher told trustees that the school’s general counsel is waiting to be served with the suit.
“Carolyn Egan will accept the service on behalf of the university and the trustees and we will defend it vigorously," he said.
The LA Times Rose Bowl coverage included a column by Bill Plaschke that slammed FSU as an, “academic joke.”
Thrasher fought back with a written rebuttal highlighting the school’s six Nobel laureates. But Bense and the trustees don’t think letters to the editor are enough.
Trustee Andrew Haggard suggested a speaker’s bureau to sing the university’s praises to schools, civic and parent groups.
