Client overview
Client since 2008
Since 1958, Harding School of Theology has challenged Christian leaders to develop a deeper faith in God through immersive studies and extensive coursework. Their location and learning opportunities allow students to engage in ministry as they study, converting classroom lessons into real-world experiences that will help them throughout their careers and spiritual lives.
The challenge
In July of 2008, we sat down with Assistant Vice President Mark Parker at what was then known as the Harding University Graduate School of Religion.
Initially, Mark just needed help maintaining their website. Eventually, they had us help with the creation of a new website, and then over the years, two additional redesigns.
In all of those situations, there were multiple stakeholders, including staff and board members. In addition, there were three primary target audiences: prospective students coming out of an undergrad program, people in their thirties who had been in ministry for a while, and people in their fifties and sixties making a career change.
As is often the case with larger nonprofits, universities in particular, there was a lot of content needed on the website. That content needed to be well organized and available in just one or two clicks.
Finally, there were some interactive elements needed, some of which were provided by third-party sources.
How we've helped
We began working with Mark Parker to maintain their website in 2008. In 2011, we launched a new website. In late 2011, Matt Carter—the new director of admissions—became our main point of contact.
We worked with Matt to continue to maintain the new website. In 2013, we launched a mobile version of their website. Then, in 2017, Matt engaged us once again for web design services to create a new version of the website. We also provided help with SEO and social media.
In 2022, Lucas Suddreth replaced Matt Carter, and we began on another redesign of the website. That version launched in 2023.
We’ve also helped integrate interactive elements into the various iterations of their website. Occasionally, that was functionality we built into the website. Other times, we helped install and troubleshoot third-party services. We also helped from time to time with social media needs.
Over the years, we’ve continued to support the university and its website, offering our expert advice on incorporating new technologies, satisfying the various stakeholders, and appealing to multiple target markets.
Our work
Services utilized
I've had a great experience working with Backslash Creative. Tim and the crew have done a web re-design and a Facebook page re-design for us. I've found them to be creative, competent, and professional. We're happy with the work, but also with the responsive customer service to help when we've needed to ask questions or make changes.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for web and social media services.