When it comes to rivalries, colleges and universities are up for the challenge. In football, there’s Georgia Tech vs. Clemson and on the basketball court, it’s North Carolina against Duke. And the latest competition among universities is between Texas A&M University and Louisiana State University.
Well, at least on Facebook.
In recent weeks, the two institutions have vied to score the most fans on their official Facebook pages. As of Thursday, the scoreboard has Texas’ Aggies besting Louisiana’s Tigers by just over 800 fans on the social-networking site. And Texas sure is rubbing it in.
In a news release posted online today, Texas A&M said that since its last announcement 10 days ago, the university system gained more than 16,000 new fans on its Facebook profile, compared with a meager 4,000 added by Louisiana State University, the former reigning champions.
“Being the No. 1 university on Facebook showcases our Aggie traditions and network — with a contemporary twist,” said Diane McDonald, associate director of marketing and communications at Texas A&M, in the announcement.
Sarah Evans, an expert on social-networking use by colleges who is watching all this from the sidelines, called the contest “a fun way to build community.” Ms. Evans is director of public relations at Elgin Community College, which has 2,340 fans of its Facebook account. (“Pretty darn impressive for a community college,” she adds.)
7 Responses to Facebook Rivalry Heats Up Between Texas A&M and Louisiana State U.
ylyons - July 30, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Hi Sue.
This is an example of the sort of ‘getting engaged’ to Facebook idea I was trying to communicate for ACUA.
Just not sure how to divide people. Since some schools only have 1 auditor, it would not be fair to do it by school. If ACUA has regions or other some other do-able way to set up people into teams, that would work. Thanks, Yolanda
sarahevans - July 30, 2009 at 6:07 pm
In addition to building larger networks on their Facebook pages, these schools are keeping people connected and motivating people to take positive action (good thing). In this case, it’s pride in their school and, of course, a fun competition.
bradjward - July 30, 2009 at 6:29 pm
For those interested in the data/research that started this friendly rivalry, here is the blog post:
http://bluefuego.com/index.php/2009/07/facebook-fan-pages-in-higher-ed
May the best school win!
vlechuga - July 31, 2009 at 9:53 am
For all the talk about how this type of activity gets people ‘engaged’ and ‘builds community’ has anyone ever considered that it is exactly this type of virtual social networking that has created a generation of college students with little to no (actual) social skills? It’s no wonder the business community is giving us in higher education a failing grade.
cronknews - July 31, 2009 at 11:44 am
Do TAMU and LSU realize that Facebook friends aren’t *real* friends? How very Ashton Kutcher of them.
-CronkNews.com
ldorland - July 31, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Oh please.
“…has anyone ever considered that it is exactly this type of virtual social networking that has created a generation of college students with little to no (actual) social skills?”
Anyone who is unaware of the research in an area but at the same time believes this ugly generalization (on what evidence beyond anecdotal??) about an entire “generation of college students is……well….no polite words come to mind. Sheesh.
agmarine08 - August 20, 2009 at 11:06 pm
WHOOP! I’m not at all surprised. That’s the Aggie Network for you. Hey if there are any doubters in the friendliness and sense of community that our lovely campus has, than by all means come see for yourself. Look up Silver Taps, Aggie Muster, or even our no longer officially recognized but still going strong Student Aggie Bonfire. Until you’ve bothered to look into what we’re all about yourself, you shouldn’t judge.Take care : D