1. Press Release n. 2 Jenny S. Collins ESU VP for Development Resigns

2. The “W’s” Who: President’s Office, East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Where: East Stroudsburg, Pa. What: Press release about resignation of a top administrator When: For immediate release Why: To inform public about this resignation; to provide facts rather than rumors

3. About the Press Release: Damage Control “The best way to deal with a crisis to prevent it. It is essential that the college's chief public- relations officer be party to those… deliberations. … communicate effectively, and to avoid reacting defensively. …tell the truth.

4. …when you go public, always put human concerns before institutional ones. When and how much information should be communicated to various constituencies is always open to interpretation” (Powell, 2008, pp. A34-A35).

5. The Facts Behind the Story Rumors of sexual assault against ESU VP for Development surface approximately 18 months ago. Rumors of payoff to secretary to VP for Development surface summer of 2008 Five former students file former charges against VP as of late August, 2008 Local paper “runs” with story; faculty issues statement calling for resignations of key administrative personnel, including ESU President

6. For the Complete StoryStory

7. References Powell, R. (2008). Managing pr crisis. Chronicle of Higher Education, 55(15), Retrieved from http://chronicle.com.