The reasons for trying to increase the number of FreeBSD installations in the academic world are obvious.
Students are a group of young, spirited individuals.
They've got fire in their eyes. They will write to magazines complaining that they are not getting adequate coverage. Students are evangelists. Kids that are educated on FreeBSD machines will take that experience to the real world, and with any luck insist on using FreeBSD in their solutions. Many have attributed the rapid growth of Linux to its overwhelming support in the sub 25 age group, and I believe that if FreeBSD wants to continue to be a player, gaining support in the academic world is critical.