PlayerRep said:My view is that the bad press and perceptions about the football allegations/incidents, and Krak's book, had only minor impacts on enrollment. Other factors were much more important. Someone told me that the number/percentage of frosh men enrolling declined at a higher rate than women. UM failed to recognize the extent the problem and trends, was slow to take corrective action, and then didn't do a good job initially with the corrective action. UM was also perceived as not having a good leader, and that perception was correct. The budget cuts and declining number of classes offered have also impacted enrollment.
My view is that blaming enrollment decline on bad press about athletic things from years ago, is more of a narrative than based on reality. Which is not to say that UM didn't get alot of bad press for several years.
As for the people in the State who still have this perception, or who don't like football, is there a reason to care about them or what they think?
I do agree with much of what you say. I do think image and PR was/is a reason enrollment dropped. Obviously that's not the only reason.
A reason to care about what they think: They are more likely to send their children to msu. Of course it is probably more complicated and nuanced than that. However, many of us have said in the past how a successful athletic department can help drive enrollment. A successful athletic department does NOT have a PR issue, especially when it comes to how the student athletes interact with their community (assaults, arrests etc.). I don't mean to drudge up the past just to throw mud at the players or team, but I think it is important to recognize those mistakes made and learn from them. My point is that much of the state that were not already Griz fans may be turned off from UM because of what they read and hear, and will have no problem sending their kids to state. Just my opinion.