Welcome Center Refresh
Lipscomb University
Reimagining the First Impression
How we helped
- Interactive Storytelling
- Social Media Moments
- Design
- Fabrication & Installation
Introduction
Activating an Enrollment Asset Through “Healthy Swagger” and Interactive Storytelling
Since the campus visit is single-handedly the most important tool for enrollment, Lipscomb University recognized that its entry point needed to spark energy. The Welcome Center refresh transformed a quiet, passive lobby into a high-quality, interactive environment that aligns with the university’s evolving brand and modern student experience.
Advent worked alongside Lipscomb leadership to move away from an aesthetic that was “humble to a fault,” creating a space that intentionally showcases school spirit and the tangible ROI of a Lipscomb education. The result is an engaging experience that welcomes everyone, from prospective students to grandparents, into the “Bison Herd” from the moment they arrive.
Welcome Center Photo Gallery
Challenges
- Activate a Passive Space: Transform a subdued lobby into an environment where visitors feel an immediate invitation to enter.
- Infuse Brand Identity: Resolve the absence of “school spirit” by integrating the Bison and the “Power L” directly into the architecture.
- Modernize Storytelling: Replace outdated, static displays of statistics with dynamic presentations
- Bridge Generational Perceptions: Address outdated perceptions of the institution to showcase a modern, inclusive Christian university that remains intentional about faith.
Process
- Collaborated with Enrollment Leadership: Worked with VPs and Directors of Enrollment and Marketing through our StoryMining process to uncover authentic institutional stories.
- Identified Priority Themes: Distilled the university’s core strengths into five key storytelling pillars: Academics, Nashville, Spiritual Faith, Community/Traditions, and Athletics.
- Mapped the Visitor Journey: Design the space as an energetic launchpad for campus tours, ensuring groups of up to 35 people feel excited to begin their visit.
Solutions
- Interactive Engagement: Introduced physical engagement points, like a map where visitors mark their hometowns, to create an immediate sense of belonging.
- Nashville as a Differentiator: Utilized interactive storytelling to showcase the “real” Nashville experience and the university’s connection to a top U.S. job market.
- Integrated Traditions: Woven stories of campus life, from QuestWeek to “A Beautiful Day,” directly into the environment to highlight the “Start Well, Stay Well” philosophy.
- Showcasing Outcomes: Featured high-performance metrics to clearly communicate the value of the degree.
- Balanced Design: Created a warm, inclusive atmosphere that utilizes personal mobile devices while remaining accessible to older generations.
