Someone is probably saying, "USC? You have got to be kidding me. After all that mess!" Yes, USC. I think the move that they made this week naming Pat Haden as their new athletic director is one that enhances theie brand. Too often institutions of higher learning in the States, especially those with winning sport programs, allow themselves to be defined by athletics, not academics. This is as much as academic move as it is an athletic move, and I applaud it.
As you may know, Pat Haden played quarterback for the Trojans and then for the LA Rams. He has since been a respected college football announcer for NBC Sports. What you might not know is that Haden was a Rhodes Scholar. Not too many quarterbacks or athletic directors can make that claim. Not many brand bloggers can either. I have always thought of Haden first as a scholar and second as a quarterback.
Perhaps USC is thinking the same thing. It is refreshing to see an institution of higher learning rediscover their mission and core values. I have no doubt that Haden will take the higher education brand to a new level. Today he is the Brand Champion of the Day.
Rex Whisman
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