Marketing Update

Reversal of Fortune: A donor to Princeton University wants $525 million returned because they're not doing what he wants with the money. An issue of marketing and customer support? A Princeton prof is quoted: "But once a benefactor has made a contribution to a college, it's like going through the gates of hell: Abandon hope, ye who would give."

• Washington Post

Back to "Why Market" our Institutions? George Cathcart and our friends at the University of Maryland are well-known as innovative architects of integrated marketing plans. Their work may grow, exponentially, if a controversial proposal to double tuition over five years becomes reality. See the Washington Post coverage at:

• Washington Post

Jacuzzi U -- Check out the latest perks to lure students to your favorite colleges and universities. Times past we would lure students with nice scholarship packages. That sounds tame in contrast. See the New York Times recap at:

• New York Times

Op-ed on Higher Education Vice Grip: Noted higher ed authority and college Dean Stanley Fish says in a recent Op Ed that state cuts to colleges and universities are in direct proportion to the rises in operating costs -- which now exceed tuition by factors of three to one. Fish notes that the higher our costs to keep the lights on, the deeper the cuts from elected officials. A thought provoking article that is as depressing as it is enlightening.

• New York Times

Campus Crises in the News

Priest Sex Abuse Scandal in Higher Ed: Loyola University in New Orleans' president has resigned because of accusations of sexual misconduct when he was principal of a Jesuit high school in Indianapolis in 1986.

• Washington Post (look beyond the tiger story)

Former President Jail-Bound?: Jim Holderman, the former controversial and charismatic President of the University of South Carolina, was convicted recently of scheming to obtain student visas illegally and laundering drug money. See the Charlotte Oberserver's coverage of this monumental fall from grace.

• Charlotte Observer

Current President Faculty-Bound: East Carolina University Chancellor William V. Muse abruptly resigned recently after two internal audits raised perplexing questions. See the Raleigh News and Observer's account at:

• Raleigh News and Observer

President Fine, but Books a Mess: Hood College is deluged by financial woes, some of which threaten the future of that institution.

• Washington Post

President Miffed over Faculty Raids: In a move sure to cause some head-scratching, Old Dominion President Roseann Runte fired off an angry letter to East Carolina University to complain about faculty flight from ODU to ECU. Why the exodus, we ask? See the story at:

• Hampton Roads

Duke Students Turn on Frat: Duke students may have averted am image crisis caused by an insensitive fraternity. See how students recoil when racism is charged:

• Washington Post

Air Force Academy Scandal Widens: What did you know and when did you know at the Air Force Academy? You don't want to know to increasingly sordid details. But you can check at:

• Washington Post

K-State Scrambles to Untangle Cheating Ring: Officials at Kansas State University are probing charges that as many as two out of three Introduction to Sociology students cheated on tests. Interestingly, the school is mum on details. See the report at:

• Wichita Eagle