In the age of real-time information and instant access, Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) will take an important step in the development of its international presence on the web. A brand-new web center is being organized to bring all of the system-wide web functions—both internal and external—under one roof.
Jack Rose, MBA, director of enterprise project management for LLUMC, has been tasked, on an interim basis, with organizing the new Web Center.
“We’re aiming to consolidate the web-based activities across the university and health centers,” Mr. Rose explains. “We want to present a consistent message that will establish LLUH as a world-class leader in education, research and clinical care.”
As LLUH prepares to begin a national branding campaign, the new LLUH Web Center will allow the organization to provide up-to-date and targeted information for its many audiences. This is expected to increase Internet traffic, as the website becomes a chief source for information, as well as a more efficient way for patients, potential students, and others to interact with LLUH.
In addition, the LLUH Web Center will support the core functions of the organization, providing key intranet access and services for more than 13,500 employees and more than 4,600 students. The new center will be under the co-leadership of Tony Yang, MBA, assistant vice president for public affairs, LLUH, and Mark Zirkelbach, MPA, chief information officer, LLU Health Services. They will report to the Web Center Steering Committee, co-chaired by Kevin Lang, MBA, executive vice president for finance and administration/CFO, LLUH, and Rachelle Bussell, CFRE, senior vice president for advancement, LLUH, with members representing the university, LLU Medical Center, and the practice groups.
“Duplication is always a major concern of large organizations,” Mr. Zirkelbach points out, “and Loma Linda is no exception. Our consolidation of web activities will represent cost savings and increased efficiency in the years to come, as well as result in a more consistent style and message.”
LLUH first established a web presence in the 1990s. In the years since, the amount of web-based information and functionality has increased exponentially.
“We want to build a web foundation that will enhance our presence on the world stage,” adds Mr. Yang, “enabling LLUH to take its place as a worldwide leader in health, wellness, disease prevention, research, and education.”
Billy Hughes, PhD, dean of the LLU School of Pharmacy, suggests, “Having experienced LLU's web presence for the past 20 years, its exciting to be a part of the next phase of our web presence.” He continues, “The School of Pharmacy recognizes that the newly configured Web Center is at the core of LLUH branding, will unify our corporate message, and provide meaningful access to our excellent clinical, academic, and research service areas—many strengths, one mission.”
