Volume 44, #3 - December 2006 - Houston Baptist University

www.hbu.edu
A New
Look
Premieres
Visitors to the
University Web
site were greeted
with a new look
November 21 as
the University
went live with a
redesigned site.
The site is
designed to be
simplified and energized. “Incorporation of the University’s
integrated marketing campaign, new features for users and
implementation of user navigation were important,” said
Martha Morrow, director of marketing and communications.
“We’re even more excited that new features and new content
will continue to be introduced in coming months.”
There is a revised site architecture, improving access to
HBU web pages. A user-based navigation features allows
visitors to quickly access information of special interest. The
admissions section of the site has been revamped to provide
easy access to information for prospective students, their
families and counselors.
The site also features a new HBU News and Events
section, with links to archives of press releases. A calendar of
University events offers viewers the option to view all events or
to choose events of special interest in the fine arts, athletics, or
alumni association.
The branding reflected in the new site incorporates the
University logo, theme and graphic elements as integrated
throughout all University marketing efforts. Special emphasis
was given to increasing student profiles and campus
photography.
The Office of Marketing & Communications, under
the leadership of Morrow and Alan Presley, webmaster, has
directed the effort to implement the University’s new Web site
content management system (WCMS) and redesign.
Work began on the new site with consultations with the
Web site Committee, the Internal Communications Committee,
and the Marketing Advisory Committee, along with focus
groups of faculty, staff, and students, alumni, frequent outside
users and prospective students and their families. Deans and
vice presidents also offered their insights into the particular
needs of colleges and departments across campus.
Input from these groups helped the web specialists at
Stamats, a higher education integrated marketing firm which
also designed the University’s most recent series of recruiting
publications, to create a new site architecture based on both
global and user navigation. Stamats worked closely with the
marketing staff to create the new architecture to make it as
user-friendly and relevant as possible.
The new database-driven Web site is powered by Education
Catalyst, a comprehensive website management system
developed by ESX, Inc. Houston-based ESX uses its xCatalyst
platform software to deliver high performance web solutions to
education, associations and non-profit organizations.
Trustee News
The Board of Trustees welcomed two members this November
– David Brooks, a banker from McGregor, and Houston
businessman Howard Lee Jr. who returns to Board service.
The Board would also like to thank those trustees who
completed their service during 2006. They include
Diane Williams BA ’93, C. Pat Ellis BA ’68, and David Knight.
Officers for the coming year include Jack D. Carlson, chair;
Rick Bailey BA ’69, chair-elect; and Lisa Morris Simon BA ’76,
secretary.
Paying Tribute to Veterans from
Across the Friendship Bridge
HBU hosted a special Veterans Day program and invited
residents from University Place, a Memorial Hermann adult
living community. University Place veterans were recognized and
honored at the event. Pictured are student Courtney LaPrelle;
Ron Conn; Robert McElroy, director of instrumental activities
and organizer of the event; Edward McMullen; Tom Campion;
student Brittany Meyer and student Zachary Lerner who served
as guest conductor and is also a veteran.
19