WESTFORD, MA , June 2, 2009 -- Carnegie Communications, a leading higher education research, marketing and communications firm in Boston, will be the featured presenter at the June 4 meeting of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV).  The meeting will take place on the campus of Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Va.

The presentation, titled "Competing for the Students You Want:  New Message Strategies for a Changing Marketplace," will focus on the results of Carnegie's new national study of high school students and their changing attitudes about private and public universities - particularly as they relate to "strength of the academic program," "active campus life, "successful outcomes," and "cost of education."  The firm will discuss the communications and messaging implications of the study for private colleges to compete more effectively amidst the current financial challenges.

Speakers for Carnegie will include Owen Landon III, President;  Dr. Debbie Godfrey, Executive Vice President/ Market Research and Branding; and Cecil Foster, Executive Vice President, Consulting Services.

"Our research shows that today's severe economic climate is having a strong impact on perceptions of private vs. public colleges and universities among high school students," Dr. Godfrey said.  "As a result, it is critical for these private institutions to develop new messages that address these changing perceptions -- especially in Virginia, which has some of the top public institutions in the country," said Dr. Godfrey, who led the study.    

Carnegie currently works closely with Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va. and has worked with both private and public colleges and universities in the Commonwealth, including Roanoke College, Randolph-Macon College, Virginia Military Institute and Old Dominion.

About CICV

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) is an association of 27 Virginia independent colleges and universities. Founded in 1971, CICV works to promote the interests of non-profit, independent higher education in Virginia.  The Presidents of the 27 member institutions serve as the Board of Directors of CICV and set policy for the organization. CICV holds an annual meeting in the fall of each year at which time the officers of the organization are elected and policy is determined for the ensuing fiscal year. A six-person Executive Committee is elected and empowered to make policy decisions as required. The CICV staff is comprised of a president, vice president, director of business operations, and an executive assistant/ project coordinator. CICV's office is located in Bedford, Virginia.

About Carnegie

Carnegie Communications is a leading edge marketing firm that partners with educational institutions to help them achieve their strategic objectives in enrollment and advancement.  Using customized market research, innovative branding techniques, and powerful marketing expertise, the firm develops targeted brand platforms and marketing plans, as well as a full range of inspired marketing and communications solutions.  For more information, visit carnegiecomm.com.