Although the state continues to make budget cuts, the Tech Marketing Department still has a job to do. A partnership with the Office of Admissions has led to the sponsorship of “Cool Schools,” a segment featured on Nashville’s Channel 4 News. Middle Tennessee high schools are taped spotlighting their programs every Friday from 4: 30 to 7 a.m. The segment is hosted by Aaron Solomon and the Channel 4 Snow Bird.
“We just want to be a part of something that is so positive for the kids,” said James Gray, admissions associate director.
Tech has already visited two “cool schools,” with WSMV and plans to attend the remaining four schools to be featured this semester.
“It’s a joint effort between marketing and admissions,” Gray said.
The Office of Admissions and the Marketing Department equally split the funding of the sponsorship.
“The total cost of this project [is] between $5,000 and $8,000. Since they are not doing Cool Schools this week, our total cost will be less, but I don’t know how much less yet,” Marketing Director Bobbie Maynard said.
The original budget included 7 episodes for $9,000. But upon cancellation of the seventh episode, the budget has been reduced to somewhere between $5,000 and $8,000.
Why would the University spend money on this effort during tight budget times?
According to Maynard this investment includes visits to six schools, Tech’s commercial airing once an hour during the morning broadcast, advertising on the WSMV web site with corresponding web banners, and access to prospective Tech students.
“It’s a great exclusive recruiting opportunity,” Maynard said.
In order for students to be able to learn more about the university, Tech informational booths are set up in the selected school on the day of the broadcast.
For more information about “Cool Schools”, visit www.wsmv.com/schools.
