How to Reclaim Your University Website - An Interview with Jenny Martin and Tim Wombles

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Jenny Martin and Tim Wombles from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Jenny, with her roots in higher education advancement, and Tim, who started as a graduate assistant and found his calling in digital communications, shared their journey toward transforming UMSL's web presence. The duo is gearing up to present at Hannon Hill's 2024 Cascade User Conference, showcasing how UMSL reclaimed its digital identity.This interview touches on some of the aspects of their efforts. Jenny and Tim discussed shifting from a fragmented web presence managed by over 400 individuals to a centralized, cohesive digital front. The pre-2020 era saw UMSL's digital landscape as a wild west of over 300 sites with inconsistent branding and structure. The creation of the First Central web team in 2022 was a game-changer, aligning the university's digital strategy with modern branding and features.Jenny and Tim emphasized the critical role of a unified brand by collaborating with faculty, staff, and graduate assistants; the web team revamped the university's website to resonate with prospective students.Their approach? A CMS template ensuring brand consistency and focusing on updating enrollment management university-wide.The team also highlighted the necessity of open communication and the power of compromise in enhancing user experience. Looking ahead, Jenny and Tim are excited about expanding UMSL's services to cater to diverse audiences, including corporate partners, adult learners, and transfer students. To dive deeper into their insights, connect with Jenny and Tim on LinkedIn or via their emails on UMSL's website.Join them at #CUC24 on Wednesday, February 21, at 1:45 p.m. to learn how you can reclaim your university website. 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏Until next time. ✌#marketing #highereducation #web