Many experts say a university’s website is its most powerful branding tool.

Published

That’s because it touches almost every aspect of the university, from student recruitment to administrative functions to delivery of course content.

By the time Savoie became UL Lafayette’s president, the University’s website – louisiana.edu – was more than 10 years old, in a technological arena that changes almost daily. Its age and limitations had rendered it dysfunctional and beyond repair.

A new website quickly became a top University priority.

Savoie authorized the creation of a new position in Communications and Marketing: associate director of web communications. The person hired for that job would spearhead building UL Lafayette’s website from scratch and introduce a content management system that would enable University personnel to easily manage and update it.

Aimee Bullinger was named to the post in July 2011. She also oversees the creative and technical direction of all official University Web material and publications.

Bullinger worked closely with the University’s Information Technology Department and Lipman Hearne to translate the University’s brand into a dynamic website.

The website debuted on April 2, 2013. By June, about 2,000 updated web pages were up and running; more are added daily.

“This is only the beginning,” Bullinger said. “We have a clear plan to take our online presence to the next level. Look for more enhancements and additional University sites to launch in upcoming months.”