As part of Valdosta State University’s strategic plan, an institutional identity study is being conducted to examine the university’s core strengths and to determine the best ways to communicate those strengths to the university’s key audiences.
 
Valdosta State has hired the Atlanta firm TG Madison to conduct the comprehensive analysis that includes focus groups, telephone and online surveys. The study will identify the attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of current and prospective students, parents of current and prospective students, high school guidance counselors, alumni, faculty, and staff.
  
“VSU’s identity is as strong as the sum of the parts that define it,” said Michael Orr, with TG Madison. “Buildings, curriculum, academic standing, athletics and the city of Valdosta all contribute to your identity, but the most powerful factors are the thoughts, feelings and conversations that happen about VSU. Brands are living things. You are the brand, and the brand is you.
 
Members of the Institutional Leadership Task Force, comprised of students, faculty, staff, and alumni will help communicate the progress and outcomes of the study to internal and external audiences.
 
The leadership task force was scheduled to meet Jan. 30 to officially kick-off the study; however, due to inclement weather conditions the meeting was canceled and rescheduled for Feb. 20.
 
“The focus groups are now underway across Georgia and Florida,” said Mary Gooding, VSU’s director of marketing and community relations. “The research is yielding valuable information, and setting the vision and future of VSU based on our strengths and potential, and then communicating the value that the university brings to our prospective students and current constituencies. This assures a bright future for our institution and our enrollment.”

For more information: www.valdosta.edu/administration/emc/identity-study