Reinvention Never Stops

The University of Pittsburgh’s public presence entered a new era today with the launch of refreshed pitt.edu and Pittwire websites — bringing new vitality and a narrative focus to the way the University shares its story.

Pitt.edu, the main online gateway to the University for prospective students, faculty, staff and others now features a compelling video treatment highlighting the themes of progress and innovation that define the Pitt experience, enhanced with “Ones to Watch” features on some of the Pitt people who best exemplify the institution’s strengths.

The redesign of pitt.edu — the first in nine years — builds on extensive discussions with leaders from across the University, focus groups with members of key audiences and a thorough review of sites developed by peer institutions.

Based on that research, explained Kate Ledger, assistant vice chancellor for marketing who oversaw the overhaul, the University chose to focus the site on serving those who are new to Pitt. 

“The original model of a homepage that served as a hub for all of an institution’s various web properties was appropriate to the era when it was developed,” Ledger said, “but our internal audiences now know where to go for what they need online without going through pitt.edu. The redesigned site is really optimized for promoting the University’s brand to prospective students and building Pitt pride for alumni and friends through storytelling.”

At the same time, the redesigned Pittwire site serves as a hub for the latest news of interest to the University community, providing a place to turn for updates on life at Pitt and Pittsburgh, stories about research and academic excellence, features on students, staff, alumni and faculty making a difference in the community, and much more.