Helping a Devoted Group of Alumnae Save Their College

On March 3, 2015, the interim president of Sweet Briar College, a 114-year old women’s liberal arts college in central Virginia, announced without warning that the school would close on August 25, 2015 due to what he called insurmountable financial challenges triggered by declining enrollment.

Faculty, students and alumnae were never consulted about the decision and were shocked by the announced closure. Within hours, thousands of alumnae from around the country began organizing a fierce campaign to save Sweet Briar. Tracy Stuart, a 1993 graduate of Sweet Briar, was among those who swung into action. Stuart hired a powerful global law firm to mount a legal challenge. She also retained the services of CK Communications to provide crisis public relations support and to lead media engagement.

CK Communications principals Eric Cote and Cara Klein became emotionally and intellectually invested in the fight to save the college from the very beginning. In the end, a stunning victory few thought possible provided Sweet Briar College with a new lease on life.

Without a doubt, Eric Cote and his team helped us save Sweet Briar College. We are grateful for Eric’s media savvy and calm demeanor that provided a steady hand from the very first days of our fight right through our incredible victory. Eric and his team helped shape and implement the media strategy that provided a potent and steady media barrage. This really helped tip the scales in our successful fight to save Sweet Briar College.”

Tracy Stuart, Founder and Board Member, Saving Sweet Briar, Inc.