FMK Journal

Eckerd College’s Path to Brand Consistency & Compliance in WordPress

Written by FMK Agency | Jun 30, 2025 11:15:00 PM

Eckerd College, a leading private liberal arts institution in Florida, is known for its innovative, student-focused education. To support its diverse academic programs, the college operates a complex multisite WordPress ecosystem. However, maintaining brand consistency, ensuring accessibility, and managing site independence posed significant challenges. That’s where FMK Agency stepped in.

 
Quick Hits
  • Complex Multi-Site Maintenance? Mastered. Eckerd College's WordPress multisite setup presented significant challenges in managing a robust and interconnected digital ecosystem. FMK Agency stepped in as a trusted partner, providing ongoing support and development to ensure seamless functionality, consistent branding, and user satisfaction across all sites.
  • Subsite Independence & Brand Cohesion? Balanced. Eckerd’s subsites required unique identities to cater to their specific audiences while maintaining alignment with the college’s overall brand identity. FMK Agency successfully delivered standalone WordPress sites with tailored design systems for each program, meeting the needs of a diverse audience.
  • ADA Compliance Awards? Secured. Facing legal and ethical challenges related to accessibility, Eckerd College partnered with FMK Agency to transform its digital properties into a benchmark for inclusivity. Through a rigorous audit and targeted upgrades, the college achieved ADA compliance and was recognized with an award for its commitment to accessibility.

 

 

The Problem

Eckerd College initially approached FMK Agency with a need to maintain and improve their complex WordPress multisite environment. The primary challenges included:

  • Brand Consistency: Ensuring consistent branding across the main site (eckerd.edu) and its numerous subsites.
  • Supporting Subsites: Supporting subsites with unique design and functional needs.
  • Compliance Risks: Addressing urgent ADA compliance issues to mitigate legal risks and enhance accessibility.

 

Our Solution

FMK Agency developed a comprehensive strategy to address Eckerd College’s immediate and long-term needs:

 

 

Website Maintenance & Expansion

  • Provided ongoing maintenance and management for the multisite WordPress installation, ensuring a consistent and efficient digital experience.
  • Supported the evolution and expansion of the multisite structure, enabling new subsites and features to be integrated seamlessly.

 

Subsite Development

Transitioned select subsites to standalone WordPress installations, each with tailored design systems to meet program-specific requirements. 

Examples include:

  • A mature, academic design for the Aspect program.
  • A playful, youth-focused aesthetic for the summer swimming program.

 

 

ADA Compliance Enhancements

  • Conducted a comprehensive accessibility audit to identify gaps in ADA compliance.
  • Implemented upgrades that not only resolved legal vulnerabilities but also improved the overall user experience.
  • The successful completion of this initiative earned Eckerd College an award for excellence in digital accessibility.

 

Design Systems & Brand Cohesion

Developed cohesive design systems that included color schemes, typography, and motifs. These systems preserved the overarching Eckerd brand while allowing subsites to resonate with their unique audiences.

 

 

Results:

Eckerd College’s digital transformation is a testament to the power of a strategic partnership. With FMK Agency as their ongoing digital ally, the college is well-positioned to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the higher education space.

  1. Continued Partnership - FMK Agency’s relationship with Eckerd College has grown into a long-term partnership. We remain their trusted digital partner, providing ongoing support, updates, and innovations to keep their multisite environment at the forefront of technology and design.
  2. Accessibility Achievements - Our efforts in ADA compliance not only addressed immediate challenges but also positioned Eckerd College as a leader in inclusivity, earning industry recognition and setting a standard for other institutions.
  3. Brand & Audience Impact - The subsites now strike a perfect balance between individuality and alignment with Eckerd’s core brand. Programs are better equipped to connect with their respective audiences, enhancing engagement and driving success.
  4. Future-Ready Digital Ecosystem - By expanding and future-proofing the multisite framework, FMK Agency has ensured that Eckerd College can continue to adapt and grow its digital presence to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the community.
 
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