News

NIRSA's website getting a makeover

New look, new features in the works for nirsa.org

Todd Cotton	Cory Granholm

Within a few weeks, NIRSA will be launching a complete makeover of the Association’s website. What this means for our Members and website visitors will be a completely new way to access the Association’s important information at nirsa.org and BluefishJobs.com. The revised nirsa.org will be an engaging, contemporary website that embraces new technologies and moves NIRSA Member communications to a higher level.

If you enjoy the look of our online NIRSA Know monthly newsletter, the new NIRSA website will seem very familiar. The same information architecture, user interface, and graphic style that have improved the readability of the NIRSA Know will now help improve the architecture and readability of nirsa.org.

In addition, intuitive navigation tools and drop-down menus will help point visitors in the right direction; articles and data will be keyword searchable; Members will be able to log on right from the home page; and pages will accommodate NIRSA-specific ads and timely announcements.

It goes without saying, however, that this announcement signifies the end of an era for the Association. For 10 years, Todd Cotton, NIRSA’s Web Administrator, constructed, hosted, and maintained the NIRSA website. He also managed the eight NIRSA Listservs and was instrumental in developing NIRSA's Internet presence and communication to the level of professionalism it exhibits today.

In January 2005, Todd left full-time employment with the NNC to pursue other out-of-state opportunities. Since then, he has continued to work with NIRSA to maintain the current website on a month-to-month contractual basis. Effective February 1, 2006, the duties and responsibilities of NIRSA’s Web Administrator will shift to Cory Granholm, NIRSA’s longtime in-house graphic designer, and the architect and designer of the new nirsa.org.

According to NIRSA Executive Director, Kent J. Blumenthal, “Todd was a tireless member of our team and could always be counted on to get the job done, 24/7/365. He had an excellent employment record with NIRSA and has been a joy to work with. Since coming to the Association in January 1996, Todd brought passion to his work and a commitment to helping to make NIRSA the best it could be. He is loyal and contributed greatly to NIRSA’s success. Todd, on behalf of all NIRSA employees, I wish you well and thank you for your years of service.”

Look for more updates regarding the evolution and launch of our new website in upcoming NIRSA correspondence. We’re confident that the look and feel of our new web presence will be a major evolutionary step forward for the Association, and something that we will all be very proud of.

As with anything new, it’s likely that some Members will need help with the new format. Our goal is to make the transition from the old to the new as seamless as possible. With that in mind, if you have any questions regarding the new site, please address them to Web Administrator Cory Granholm. Cory will be happy to help you.