The newly remodeled Vanderpool building fosters creativity among the university marketing team.

New construction on campus presented University Marketing the opportunity to have all of its staff in one building. The Vanderpool building, located on Campus Court, has been home to the Office of Creative Services, a part of University Marketing, since the late 1980s.

Remodeling of the Vanderpool building began during summer 2014 to bring all of University Marketing under one roof.

Jason Groves, chief marketing officer, said for decades new tenants would modify the facility to meet their needs, but it gradually became an over-sized maze with walls that made sense when they were built, but not for the current needs of the university.

“Before the remodel, the building’s lighting was insufficient, and the environment lacked inspiration,” Groves said. “However, since the remodel, we have a creative setting to work in.”

Groves said the remodel allows the marketing team to converge and collaborate in a timely manner.

“In order to consolidate office arrangements throughout campus to gain efficiencies, we developed a layout for our team to be in one space, which is Vanderpool,” Groves said.

Prior to the remodel of Vanderpool, the University Marketing team was spread across campus in three separate locations. University Marketing is responsible for building ACU’s brand and developing the creative elements necessary to accomplish institutional priorities, which include recruiting, fundraising and alumni engagement.

“It is important that we are all working together to tell the story of the university in powerful and relevant ways,” Groves said. “That’s different for every generation. We want to stay relevant to all generations of alumni.”

The reputation of ACU also benefits from the remodel of Vanderpool.

“The reputation of the university is one of its most important assets, and our responsibility is to strengthen the university brand,” Groves said. “This brand is composed of the stories of students, faculty and alumni that exemplify the the mission and vision of ACU. This space helps us create the environment to facilitate ideas with campus partners that will connect with key audiences.”

University Marketing worked closely with Facilities and Campus Management during the remodel. The team designed everything in-house, and the facility was gutted and renovated.

“The large wooden wall in the entrance is made of reclaimed wood from another ACU property,” Groves said. “We also worked with the ACU Maker Lab to design a custom LED-lit logo for the lobby, and we’re working with them to 3D print other elements that will be introduced in the future.”

Amber Bunton, manager of Creative Services, said the team worked together to choose a color scheme and furniture line that would coordinate all of the offices.

The new layout of Vanderpool not only benefits the marketing team; students also gain something from the remodel.

“We are able to work with our students more easily since they’re now in offices near us,” Groves said. “This enables hands-on, mentoring relationships that prepare students for job opportunities after graduation.”

Bunton said the renovations have strengthened the entire team.

“We’re thankful to have our entire department in the same building,” she said.