Stevenson Website Tabbed “Best University Website” in Web Marketing Association’s 2014 WebAwards Competition
The Web Marketing Association has announced that Stevenson University’s recently redesigned website was named “Best University Website” for the 2014 WebAwards. Stevenson partnered with Systems Alliance, a Hunt Valley-based web consulting firm, to launch its new responsively-designed website in January 2014.
In its 17th year, the contest rates submissions in terms of design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology. A judges’ panel, comprised of prominent industry experts, highlighted Stevenson’s use of responsive design technology, which enables seamless views of the website on tablets and mobile devices, and the quality and organization of the website’s content.
“Design is lively and invigorating, well-suited to the target,” expressed a judge. “The site is far above most when it comes to the tablet and mobile experience.”
In addition to responsive design, the website features a new visual design and information architecture that provides a more cohesive view of the university’s academic offerings. Multimedia rich content, such as the extensive use of videos, showcases the University’s career-focus and academic programs while promoting interactivity and providing a streamlined user experience.
“This was a daunting task. The University wanted the new site to serve as its main recruiting tool for undergraduates, adult students, and new employees, as well as enhance alumni giving,” said Glenda LeGendre, Vice President for Marketing & Digital Communications. “As such, market research as well as careful analysis provided us with the guidelines to create this new site. Informative analytics already indicate the website’s success and overall appeal. We are now working diligently to maintain strong content.”
The Web Marketing Association was founded in 1997 to help set a high standard for Internet marketing and development of the best websites on the World Wide Web. Staffed by volunteers, this organization is made up of Internet marketing, online advertising, PR, and top website design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of online advertising, internet marketing, and website promotion.
Stevenson University, known for its distinctive career focus, is the third-largest independent undergraduate university in Maryland with more than 4,400 students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and adult bachelor’s programs at locations in Stevenson and Owings Mills.