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Arizona State University
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College: Engineering the Next Education Workforce
OVERVIEW:
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College (MLFTC) at Arizona State University is a global leader dedicated to revolutionizing the field of education. Founded on the principle that education is the primary driver of a thriving society, the college prepares highly skilled educators, visionary leaders, and rigorous researchers across all learning sectors. MLFTC is distinguished by its commitment to Principled Innovation—a core value that demands all academic programs and strategic initiatives deliver positive social value. As a dual-threat institution, it excels in both teacher preparation and world-class scholarly research, housing specialized organizations like the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) and the Next Education Workforce initiative.
ROLES:
Creative Direction
Graphic & Visual Design
Brand Design
Print Design
Interactive Design
Environmental Design
INSIGHT:
Institutional brand standards, particularly at a university as large as ASU, can often feel restrictive, leading to a "one-size-fits-all" visual output. However, a college dedicated to "Teaching and Learning Innovation" cannot afford to look standardized. The insight was to move beyond the traditional classroom aesthetic and position the college as a sophisticated, research-heavy innovation hub.
To attract top-tier scholars and policymakers, the brand needed to mirror the college's mission: to create knowledge and mobilize people. We needed a creative approach that honored ASU’s rigorous standards while providing a distinct visual "edge" that signaled the college’s role as an agitator for positive systemic change.
OBJECTIVE:
Partnering with the MLFTC leadership team, my objective was to develop a unique brand voice and visual presence that operated within the broader ASU ecosystem while powerfully emphasizing the college’s mission and broader reach.
My role involved executing a creative strategy that shifted the focus toward interconnectedness and interpersonal engagement. By designing a robust asset suite—including integrated print, digital, and environmental collateral—I aimed to illustrate the college's impact across the entire educational spectrum, from early childhood development to higher education.
The goal was to build a visual framework that demystified the path for more than 10,000 students, helping the college foster deep, meaningful learning experiences built on community relationships.
RESULTS:
The branding and marketing strategy delivered measurable institutional growth and national recognition. Most recently, the college achieved significant accolades that underscored its position as an industry authority and leader:
National Rankings:
Secured the No. 12 spot in the nation for Graduate Schools of Education and ranked No. 5 among all public universities.
Research Powerhouse:
Ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for education-related funded research, reporting a staggering $73.5 million in funding.
Enrollment Leadership:
Reported the largest graduate enrollment in the nation (4,833 students) among universities in the U.S. News rankings, with total college enrollment exceeding 10,000 students.
Specialty Excellence:
Achieved top-15 national rankings for specialty programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Educational Administration.
Online Accessibility:
Maintained top-15 status for Online Master’s degree rankings, reflecting significant growth and accessibility through ASU Online and ASU Sync.
