Navigating a Personnel Issue at an Academic Institution

Challenge:

An academic institution faced a sensitive and potentially polarizing personnel issue that threatened to create division within the community and attract negative media attention.

Strategy:

We worked closely with the institution’s leadership to create a clear, empathetic, and transparent communications plan. Our goal was to ensure the institution could respond quickly, protect its reputation, and keep students, faculty, and stakeholders informed as events unfolded.

Execution:

• Developed media statements and Q&A materials to address press inquiries accurately and consistently.

• Provided strategic counsel on timing and tone for communications to internal and external audiences.

• Coordinated messaging to avoid misinformation and speculation.

Results:

• Maintained trust within the community through proactive and honest communication.

• Limited negative press coverage by providing timely, factual updates.

• Helped leadership navigate a tense and emotional period with minimal reputational fallout.