WASHINGTON: Two Southern higher education institutions are seeking an image makeover to overcome a competitive financing environment and show off contributions to their states.  

North Carolina State University is searching for a firm that will help it clarify the school's brand promise to internal and external audiences and improve its position against peers both regionally and nationally, according to the RFP documents. Both are new accounts.

“In an environment of decreased funding and increased competition, we need to ensure that our ...