University Brand Position
The first step to establishing any type of messaging strategy and supporting tactics
is fully understanding the foundation upon which that messaging will be built. Austin
Peay State University has put in extensive work as part of its Strategic Plan on identifying
and clarifying its core values and its theme of Leading Through Excellence.
Those core values are:
- Quality
- Globalization
- Collaboration
- Community
- Innovation
It’s important to understand that while establishing core values is an essential exercise
for any college or university, the way those values ultimately are expressed to various
audiences is a different game altogether. For example, APSU’s core values of innovation
and community are important indicators of what people can expect from the experience
we deliver, but when it comes to messaging we can’t simply tell prospective students
and their families that APSU is an innovative place with a supportive community. Similarly,
while taglines certainly serve a purpose—especially in a culture where gaining even
just a few seconds of someone’s attention is becoming harder by the day—it’s crucial
that any tagline being used is authentic to who APSU is, relevant to our intended
audiences, and memorable.