SMU/Southern Methodist University

[abezontar]

I don't really remember the day I met my makers, but they are generally pretty good folks. I must have been ready, and the lack of control over my bowels wasn't a deal breaker, cause they kept me around for 18 years, and still see me when they are in town and on Holidays.

[OC Mustang]

With all the super-religious extremism that is in vogue these days, the school probably doesn't want to seem like a Jerry Falwell-esque institution.

Unless it's Patton...then all bets are off according to Stlhockeyguy02!

[EastStang]

Duke and USC have Methodist roots as well. But when their recruiters go to high schools they don't have to answer questions about whether there is mandatory chapel and whether students get punished for swearing. I remember talking to one SMU admissions director and he said that he went to a Jewish school in New York to recruit and was asked "why should I refer my students to a Christian school.?" His answer was, do you refer your students to Duke and USC? That may be the subtle reason and the other is obviously branding. Initials are easier than the full name.

[Bergermeister]

too bad though b/c all of us are going to meet our maker some day & i wonder how many are really ready???

That does it! From now on I'm spelling the whole thing out...

p.s. how do people confuse Methodism with religion anyway?

[LonghornFan68]

Duke and USC have Methodist roots as well. But when their recruiters go to high schools they don't have to answer questions about whether there is mandatory chapel and whether students get punished for swearing. I remember talking to one SMU admissions director and he said that he went to a Jewish school in New York to recruit and was asked "why should I refer my students to a Christian school.?" His answer was, do you refer your students to Duke and USC? That may be the subtle reason and the other is obviously branding. Initials are easier than the full name.

Interesting. I did not know that. However, a Christian sect is not in the name of either of those schools (although Duke may have some basis in Christianity... but I don't recall).

[EastStang]

That was my point. The name of the denomination is not in their names, thus people don't associate them with a religious background. And those schools behave pretty much like SMU does on a day to day basis, namely, you can be as religious or non-religious as you want to be.

[LonghornFan68]

That was my point. The name of the denomination is not in their names, thus people don't associate them with a religious background. And those schools behave pretty much like SMU does on a day to day basis, namely, you can be as religious or non-religious as you want to be.

I think that true of most colleges... at least it was at UT.

[PonyKai]

But in todays world people take a lot of stuff at face value and would hate to have to think about it, so when they hear Southern Methodist University all they can focus on is the word Methodist and jump to conclusions in their own head, which most schools don't ever have to worry about.

[smu diamond m]

I think KFC was required by law to no longer use the name "kentucky fried chicken" because of the fact that they no longer use the original recipe, i.e. genetically engineered chickens. They also can't use the exact original recipe batter. That's why it sucks now.

[mr. pony]

How about when we get to start saying, Southern Methodist University, home of the Bush Library?

The Methodists will probably disown us then. Problem solved.

[KnuckleStang]

I think KFC was required by law to no longer use the name "kentucky fried chicken" because of the fact that they no longer use the original recipe, i.e. genetically engineered chickens. They also can't use the exact original recipe batter. That's why it sucks now.

I had Kentucky Fried Chicken just yesterday my friend, and I can assure you, it doesn't suck.

[abezontar]

I think KFC was required by law to no longer use the name "kentucky fried chicken" because of the fact that they no longer use the original recipe, i.e. genetically engineered chickens. They also can't use the exact original recipe batter. That's why it sucks now.

I had Kentucky Fried Chicken just yesterday my friend, and I can assure you, it doesn't suck.

your heart begs to differ

[LonghornFan68]

Actually it's made with no trans fat or some crap.

[Longtime]

I don't think anyone at SMU, or from SMU, objects to "Southern Methodist University" but for marketing purposes SMU is generally preferred - for all the previously stated reasons. Our administration doesn't throw a fit if you don't use the initials, although I wouldn't be surprised if that changes under the Orsini/Sweet leadership.

Personally, I'd much rather see "SMU" come up on the ESPN scoreboard ticker than "Southern Meth." or the equally unfortunate "So. Methodist." (South Methodist?) Come on, if someone doesn't recognize "SMU" from the initials, seething those abbreviations is only going to confuse them even more.

A lot of schools want to be known by their initials for marketing purposes, especially those who are latecomers to Division I football. I suppose a lot of media outlets try to avoid alphabet-soup scoreboards (What's an MTSU? Who the heck is UL-LAF?) by using the full names, or abbreviated versions, whenever possible. But seriously, unless you consider St. Mary's a collegiate power, there's only one SMU.

Don't forget, it's not just the word "Methodist" that throws people, it's "Southern" as well. Not only does it make the school name directional(which generally connotes a second-tier state school a la Northeast Louisiana, Central Michigan, etc.) Dallas, Texas isn't really "Southern." Yes, Texas is technically in the South and was part of the Confederacy, but when most people think "Southern" they think Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, etc. Texas is a mix of the South and the Southwest, or as is more popularly stated "a whole 'nuther country."

As for TCU, they absolutely want to be referred to only as TCU - especially their sports teams. They are much more proactive about not being confused as a Liberty U. or even an ACU.

And as for KFC - it has nothing to do with their recipe and everything to do with marketing. When fried foods started getting a bad rap a few years ago, they made the change to remove the word "fried" from their name. There's probably a lot of psychobabble behind it, as well as the PR spin of "We don't think 'fried' really represents our menu anymore" because they have a few non-greasy items. But they think consumers are more likely to visit a place that doesn't have the word "fried" plastered everywhere. You can get your grease and feel better about it because it's not fried, it's KFC.

[Peruna2001]

And as for KFC - it has nothing to do with their recipe and everything to do with marketing.

I'm glad somebody pointed that out. The whole thing about genetically engineered chicken is an urban legend.

BTW, here are some other colleges and universities that are Methodist schools even though you may not realize it:

Boston University
Centenary College
Duke
Emory
McMurry University
Southwestern Univ
Syracuse University

http://www.gbhem.org/gbhem/colleges.html#Senior