As universities are increasingly finding themselves in controversy more than ever, they are falling back on the means to manage the news and media.

The University of Montana, dealing with sexual abuse charges on two of their Grizzly players has hired a consultant, nationally known for her success stories on improving the media relations, branding efforts and dealing with the legal issues.

Kevin McRae, communications director for the Montana University System, confirmed the university has paid $10,000 to contract Teresa Valerio Parrot to prepare the school leaders on how to maintain cordial relationships with local and national media outlets.

As per the CV obtained by Missoulian, she has lent her expertise in assisting a number of universities like Baylor, Youngstown State, Holy Cross, Loyola and Augustana colleges to handle the media, communications and marketing dealings.

"She has a very good curriculum on training and updating leaders on how to work cooperatively with the media and the public," McRae told to Missoulian. "She has experience teaching university leaders on how to communicate in a crisis situation, on sensitive issues regarding student privacy, and how the various aspects of a campus interact, from athletics to academics."

Parrot has served the University of Colorado for a decade which includes a two-year period when the university got entangled in a turbulent athletic and academic controversy.

University of Montana itself is in no different state with three independent federal investigations active in the campus. The NCAA, the US Department of Justice and the US Department of Education are independently investigating the university's handling of sexual assault reports and claims of sexual harassment over the past year. Hence, this is the opportune moment for Parrot to use her skills to save the university from further embarrassment.

Parrot has already held one session with UM President Royce Engstrom and his cabinet. McRae also added that Parrot will also advise university leaders on ways to build the university's evolving communications department.