Rowan University: Health Sciences in Southern NJ

[ about ]

Rowan University sought to elevate its thought leadership position with respect to the legislated joint College of Health Sciences in partnership with Rutgers-Camden, as specified in the New Jersey Medical and Health Science Education Act of 2012. A short-run publication would be crafted and distributed exclusively to key stakeholders across local and state government, regional healthcare leaders, as well as area industry.

APPROACH & OUTCOME

A strategic publication was crafted on behalf of Rowan University’s Office of the President to illustrate and communicate a complex, extraordinary vision for the future of education in the region. This piece, titled “Health Sciences in Southern New Jersey,” was the fourth special publication crafted on behalf of Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, President of Rowan University.

Inside, his transformative vision and larger-than-life ambitions for all who lived and worked in the region were translated into a narrative that told a story of potential, possibilities, and tangible opportunities. Throughout the piece, his vision was supported with pertinent socioeconomic trends, educational attainment, and projected labor market data and clearly illustrated through detailed renderings, charts, and myriad infographics. The collection of custom infographics throughout Health Sciences in Southern New Jersey presented an interconnected array of data, trends, and informed projections. Paired with a strong written narrative that addressed the current and anticipated needs of the regional population, the piece endeavored to inform and educate the reader regarding the seemingly often overlooked lower third of the Garden State.

Outside, the cover was eye-catching, yet subtle—radiating “high end” yet not gaudy to still feel appropriate coming from a higher education institution. In addition to the Pantone 1-color metallic imprint of the publication title, the names of the counties comprising the southern portion of New Jersey were imprinted in a repeating pattern using a contrasting gloss varnish on top of the matte-coated cover stock. Another finishing touch alluding to the transformational content within was the binding that consisted of a Rowan University brand-friendly custom-selected light bronze double-coil spine.

Explicitly crafted to inform and inspire with the intent to continue Rowan University’s forward momentum, “Health Sciences in Southern New Jersey” made a top-shelf first impression and was a prototype meeting leave-behind.

MY ROLE

Copywriting, Data Visualization Design & Graphic Design

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & TOOLS

• Strategy: Brand Stewardship | Brand Storytelling | Competitive Analysis | Conceptual Thinking | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Customer-Centric Mindset | Higher Education Marketing | Market Research | Strategic Communications | Visual Information Design
• Creative & Production: Color Theory | Copywriting | Creative Development | Data Visualization | Graphic Design | Iconography | Layout & Composition | Photo Editing | Print Production | Storytelling | Typography
• Tools: Adobe Illustrator | Adobe InDesign | Adobe Photoshop | Microsoft Excel | Microsoft PowerPoint | Microsoft Word

KUDOS

• Gold: 2013 MarCom Awards (entry category: Creativity > Design > Brochure Cover)
• Hon. Mention: 2013 MarCom Awards (entry category: Creativity > Design > Infographic)