Athletics controversy could help image, experts say
Two years ago, UAB launched its first ever unified brand campaign for medicine and academics under the common tagline: UAB- Knowledge that will change your world. Now the university’s brand and reputation could get a boost from canceling three athletic programs and recently deciding to bring them back.
“There’s no such thing as bad publicity – even if something becomes known for the wrong reason,” says Dr. Paul Levinson, a Fordham University professor who specializes in images and branding. “It can actually windup having a benefit when you are trying to rebuild or repair a reputation.”
Because there is a large audience interested in knowing what UAB is doing with its football program, the university could have “sort of a silver lining in rebuilding its image,” Levinson said.
Still there are challenges ahead following Monday’s announcement, says Dawn Edmiston, a professor at the College of William and Mary.
“Many will believe that the battle has been won, but perhaps the greatest challenge lies ahead with regard to logistics and funding and that brand building — that brand rebuilding,” said Edmiston. “In many cases this is a very special opportunity for UAB. They must make the most of it. They can not lose that momentum.”
Edmiston says a university’s brand is only as strong as the support it receives from its constituencies the community, its students and alumni.
“A very important part of a university’s role is building that community and athletics has a critical role,” she says, adding that in the long run, athletics can be used to propel the university’s brand, which also allows the academic profile to rise.
How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country
In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
No more Elmo? APT could cut ties with PBS
The board that oversees Alabama Public Television is considering disaffiliating from PBS, ending a 55-year relationship.
Nonprofit erases millions in medical debt across Gulf South, says it’s ‘Band-Aid’ for real issue
Undue Medical Debt has paid off more than $299 million in medical debts in Alabama. Now, the nonprofit warns that the issue could soon get worse.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- "The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir." He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.
