Category | News

A new corporate image

Published on January 22, 2009 by The Sentinel

A marketing survey showing KSU was still viewed as a junior college was the inspiration for launching the university’s first corporate image campaign. With enrollment approaching 18,000, KSU turned its attention from enrollment to corporate leaders at a local and state level. The goal was to garner financial support from the metro Atlanta business community. A new corporate image

“KSU relies on state funding for education, however it is the funding from companies and individuals that allow our school to go the extra mile,” said Frances Weyand, director of University Relations. “The central message of the campaign is the important role Georgia companies can play in helping to educate tomorrow’s leaders.”

A consulting firm presented the idea of using, in print advertisements, successful alumni recognized as leaders in their fields. Receptive to being part of the campaign, Susan Sewell, VP of media relations for ABC; Doug Jones, executive VP for Southern Company; Dr. Robert Lipson, CEO of Wellstar and Bob Wise of Equifax’s Credit Marketing Services all credit their success to the foundation provided by their KSU education.

The first phase of the four-phase campaign was rolled out July 9 with print advertisements of featured alumni. Ads will run in two of the top publications Atlanta business executives read, the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia Trend. Later, print ads will appear in other trade publications such as Money, INC,
Fortune, Business Week and Forbes. The second phase of the campaign will profile four trustees. The third and fourth phases will feature donors and students.

“Today’s KSU students are tomorrow’s corporate and community leaders,” said Weyand.

Weyand said she believes that an education at KSU gives students a foundation not only for success, but also for being at the top of their fields.