Boost Your University’s Visibility With Hannon Hill’s New Expert Finder Module

Universities are home to some of the brightest minds in the world, yet many institutions struggle to make their faculty’s expertise easily accessible to the public.

Whether it’s journalists looking for expert sources, businesses seeking academic partnerships, or prospective students researching faculty, the challenge is the same: finding the right expert quickly and efficiently.

That’s why Hannon Hill’s Professional Services team is excited to introduce the Expert Finder Module, a new tool designed to help colleges and universities showcase their faculty and staff expertise in a searchable, customizable directory.

This powerful module integrates with Cascade CMS, making it easy for marketing and web teams to build and manage a centralized expert directory that enhances the institution’s reputation, supports media engagement, and boosts enrollment efforts.

 

How Hannon Hill’s expert finder works

The Expert Finder Module is designed for seamless integration within Cascade CMS, providing a user-friendly experience for both administrators and visitors. 

Key Features: 

 

• Searchable, filterable directory: Users can find experts by name, keyword, or filters such as department and research focus.

• Detailed expert profiles: Profiles can include bios, photos, contact information, publications, and media appearances.

• Customizable layouts: Universities can tailor the look and feel of the directory to match their branding.
• Easy integration: Works within Cascade CMS, ensuring smooth deployment without major development work.
• Scalable and flexible: Suitable for institutions of all sizes, with the ability to expand as needed.

Why universities need an expert search feature

An Expert Finder is a strategic tool that can transform how universities engage with the media, industry partners, and the public.

Here is how: 

1. Improved visibility and media exposure

Journalists and media professionals constantly seek subject matter experts for interviews and commentary. By making faculty expertise easily searchable, universities can increase their media presence and earn valuable press coverage. More media mentions mean greater credibility and recognition for the institution.

2. Enhanced credibility and reputation

When faculty members are frequently quoted in the news or invited to speak at events, it strengthens the university’s position as a leader in research and thought leadership. A well-maintained Expert Finder makes it simple for external audiences to connect with faculty, reinforcing the school’s reputation as a hub of knowledge and innovation.

3. Increased public engagement

Universities are part of a broader community and don’t exist in a vacuum. An Expert Finder enables local organizations, conference planners, and policymakers to quickly find faculty members for speaking engagements, consulting, and advisory roles, helping to foster meaningful relationships beyond campus.

4. Attraction of prospective students 

A university’s faculty plays a key role in attracting students. Many prospective students look up professors and research programs when deciding where to apply. By showcasing faculty expertise through an Expert Finder, universities can influence student decisions and encourage enrollment in specific programs. 

5. Potential for collaboration and funding

Academic-industry partnerships drive innovation, and the Expert Finder simplifies the process of connecting faculty with businesses, government agencies, and non-profits. Whether it’s research funding, grants, or corporate collaborations, this tool makes it easier to build relationships that support institutional growth. 

6. SEO benefits and increased search rankings

Each expert profile within the module serves as an additional indexed page on a university’s website, improving search engine rankings. Universities can gain increased traffic as people search for “[topic] expert at [university]” and land on their Expert Finder profiles. These pages also generate valuable backlinks from media outlets and research organizations.

7. Support for earned media strategies

PR and communications teams can use the Expert Finder as a one-stop resource when responding to media inquiries. Instead of scrambling to find a suitable professor for an interview request, they can quickly direct journalists to the appropriate faculty member’s profile, increasing the likelihood of media coverage.

8. Amplification of research impact

When research findings are easily accessible, they are more likely to be cited and shared. The Expert Finder helps faculty members extend the reach of their research, increasing its impact in academic circles, industry applications, and policy discussions.

It's never been easier to put your experts front and center

Imagine a breaking news story where a journalist needs a climate change expert for an immediate quote.

With an Expert Finder in place, they can locate a university’s environmental science professor in seconds, leading to a feature in a national publication.

Or consider a prospective student researching faculty in the university’s neuroscience department.

A quick search reveals a professor working on groundbreaking research, complete with a TED Talks link and recent publications.

Inspired by this work, the student decides to apply to the program.

These scenarios highlight how an Expert Finder goes beyond a directory. It’s a tool that creates opportunities and connections.

Getting started with Hannon Hill’s Expert Finder 

Implementing the Expert Finder module is straightforward.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact Hannon Hill: Our team will walk you through the module’s capabilities and discuss how it fits within your university’s existing website.
2. Deploy the module: The Expert Finder integrates with Cascade CMS and comes with predefined templates for easy setup.
3. Populate expert profiles: Import faculty data or allow professors to fill out their own profiles through a simple interface.
4. Launch and promote: Once live, promote the directory to journalists, industry partners, and the broader public.

Hannon Hill’s Professional Services team is available to assist with setup, customization, and optimization, ensuring a smooth implementation process.

Take the next step

Ready to enhance your university’s visibility and connect your experts with the world? 

Contact Hannon Hill Professional Services team today to learn more about the Expert Finder module and how it can help your institution stand out.

Don’t let your faculty’s expertise go unnoticed. Put it front and center with Hannon Hill’s Expert Finder! 

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