Aligning a college website with its unique value proposition

Evolving Web partnered with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) to reimagine its digital presence with a user-focused redesign that elevates the College’s brand. Through deep discovery and close collaboration, we deliver a streamlined, component-based design built on the latest version of Drupal. By embracing best practices and simplifying the CMS experience, we created an engaging, easy-to-navigate digital ecosystem that aligns with GGC’s goals for academic excellence and community engagement. The redesigned platform highlights key differentiators at critical touchpoints—such as the program finder and program detail pages—while empowering content editors with greater flexibility. The result is a seamless, student-centered online experience that allows GGC to make a greater impact.

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) was established in 2006 as the first four-year college founded in Georgia in over a century, and the first public four-year college created in the U.S. in the 21st century. Since its founding, GGC has experienced remarkable growth, with current enrolment reaching 11,918 students. The College’s diverse student body represents 113 nations and 33 states, and for the past decade, GGC has been recognized as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college. Notably, 35% of its students are the first in their family to attend college.

GGC’s vision is to become a premier 21st-century liberal arts college where learning extends beyond traditional classrooms. By embracing innovative educational technology and fostering an integrated learning experience that nurtures the whole person, GGC is committed to preparing students for academic and personal success.

The project required migrating more than 400 landing pages—many with functional elements that needed to be rebuilt. Third-party extensions and integrations had to be carefully evaluated to ensure they aligned with the new design without losing functionality. At the same time, the project team needed to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort by leveraging existing content while opening opportunities for a stronger content strategy.

GGC set out to create a modern, visually engaging website that authentically reflects its unique learning community while advancing strategic priorities in recruitment, marketing, and retention. The new platform needed to attract prospective students, strengthen engagement with current students and faculty, and connect with the broader community.

A key goal was to provide a no-code content editor experience that is flexible, coherent, and easy to manage. GGC required a solution that empowers editors to create and maintain content without technical barriers, ensuring a dynamic, user-friendly digital presence.

Evolving Web expanded the project scope from a reskin to a full rebuild on the latest version of Drupal. This approach enabled GGC to modernize its architecture, streamline content migration, and create a sustainable, user-centered platform.
We designed and implemented an updated information architecture that highlights GGC’s distinctive offerings and focuses on student success. 

Key solutions include:

• Updated CMS architecture, powered by Drupal for long-term scalability.
• Component-based design with Drupal Paragraphs to give content editors a modular, intuitive editing experience that balances flexibility with sustainability.
• Groups module integration to control content editing access and streamline governance across different areas of the website.
• Bold typography, branded duotone icons, and inclusive imagery that reflect GGC’s values by showcasing diversity of backgrounds, ages, and perspectives.
• SAML authentication integration using Acquia’s updated SSO setup for secure, seamless access.
  SEO optimization tools including Metatag and XML Sitemap to maximize discoverability and search performance.
• Affordability calculators that clearly demonstrate the value of GGC’s competitive tuition rates.
• Simplified navigation and integrated content strategy—consolidating student resources, rebranding “Student Affairs” as “Student Life,” and weaving student stories directly into the user journey for a more intuitive, engaging experience.
   

The new GGC website delivers a modern, accessible, and student-centered experience that strengthens the College’s digital brand. Prospective students can now explore programs more intuitively, while content editors have tools for creating more effective content. Together, we’ve updated over 400 landing pages with a more clear and consistent content strategy.  The website now highlights GGC’s unique resources and supportive learning environment. It offers an improved student journey and reinforces the College’s commitment to academic success and community engagement.