Point Loma Nazarene University

Positioning PLNU around the power of self-discovery

Point Loma Nazarene University partnered with Red Door Interactive to elevate awareness of its graduate and adult degree programs with a differentiated, story-driven campaign rooted in authentic student voices.

Industry

Education

Channels

Brand Strategy & Creative

Explore the partnership

Point Loma Nazarene University

The Opportunity

PLNU needed a distinct campaign to break through the crowded higher-education landscape and spotlight its graduate and adult degree completion programs.

The Insight

Red Door developed a core narrative, “Founded on Finding You,” to authentically convey the PLNU experience and connect emotionally with prospective adult learners.

Establishing an Anthem

The campaign “anthem” video brought adult student voices to life as they shared about their PLNU experiences and how the university has shaped their future.

Brand Platform

Creating a story rooted in self-discovery

Rooted in the university’s mission of self-discovery, "Founded on Finding You" gave the institution a differentiated voice within a crowded higher-education landscape. The resulting creative and messaging framework established a unified foundation that could scale across campaign channels while remaining emotionally relevant to prospective students navigating career and life transitions.

Magazine spread mockup of a Point Loma Nazarene University ad: nurse and child patient, headline "I came looking for a degree. I found my true purpose."

PLNU's white-columned Greek-style rotunda on the cliffside campus at sunset, with sun rays beaming through and ocean visible beyond.

Laptop mockup of a PLNU ad showing a teacher kneeling with a young student, headline "I was looking for a better job. I left with a sense of calling."

Integrated Campaign

Extending the message across every touchpoint

To build awareness and consideration among prospective students, we launched an integrated campaign across digital, social, audio, print, and out-of-home channels throughout Southern California. From banner ads and social videos to transit wraps and billboards, every asset reinforced the same core message while being adapted to each platform’s unique audience behavior and context. This cohesive approach helped strengthen recognition and create a more consistent brand experience across the student journey.

Highway billboard mockup for Point Loma Nazarene University reading "Where career becomes calling," with a businessman and palm trees against a blue sky.

iPad mockup of the PLNU Graduate Programs landing page with headline "Be changed in ways you couldn't have imagined."

Smartphone mockup of a PLNU Facebook post titled "Founded on Finding You," featuring an "I came looking for a network. I found a community." graphic.

iMac mockup displaying a PLNU video frame with headline "I came to further my skills. I discovered my passion." over a workshop scene.

Creative Production

Bringing authentic student stories to life

Building on the campaign platform, we developed creative that centered real adult student experiences and personal growth. The campaign’s visual storytelling highlighted the ambition, uncertainty, and transformation that often define the decision to return to school. Alongside the anthem video, supporting campaign assets deepened emotional engagement and helped prospective students see themselves reflected in the PLNU experience.