Lorraine Regan Didn’t Redesign a Website. She Clarified a School. 

I reached out to Lorraine Regan with a mixture of genuine curiosity and mild professional envy. 

Lorraine Regan
Director of Community Relations and Marketing
Iona Presentation College

Lorraine is Director of Community Relations and Marketing at Iona, and she had just launched a new website while I am only just beginning that journey myself. With technology moving at the pace it is, and AI changing what families expect from a digital experience before they ever set foot on campus, the number of decisions ahead of me feels significant. Lorraine had made them. I wanted to know how. 

What she shared was not a technology story. It was a clarity story. 

What prompted the decision to redesign, and what were you aiming to achieve? 

The decision was initiated prior to my arrival at Iona. The previous website limited our ability to make improvements across functionality, design and content delivery. The primary goal was to create a more engaging and intuitive experience that genuinely reflected the opportunities available to prospective families. We also needed a platform that could adapt as technology and education continue to evolve. 

With the launch of your new Strategic Plan, how did you ensure the website reflects your future direction? 

Iona has a strong and enduring connection with its community and families, and that was central to everything. For more than 118 years, generations of Ionians have stood as a testament to values that do not waver: faith, courage, compassion and community. In a world marked by complexity and constant change, the Ionian spirit remains a steady light. The website needed to honour that foundation while also showcasing how we are preparing students for an ever-evolving future. 

What features are you most proud of? 

The integration of video content has significantly enhanced the user experience, allowing us to authentically showcase our students and the College. We also introduced a digital enrolment process, which has streamlined applications and made the experience far more convenient for busy families. The ability to embed ISSUU publications means our College materials are now presented in a far more accessible format. 

What was most important to get right? 

It was essential to clearly communicate who we are as a College and what we stand for. Iona has a unique atmosphere that families feel during a campus tour. We wanted the website to reflect that sense of community and belonging as closely as possible. 

What early results have stood out since launch? 

Feedback from prospective families indicates the site is easy to navigate and gives a clearer understanding of what Iona offers. Internally, the improved usability has been transformative for our team, giving us the ability to continually refine and enhance the experience. 

What advice would you offer schools about to begin a website project? 

Have a clear understanding of who you are as a school and what you offer. Then communicate that simply, intuitively and without friction. 

Lorraine did not redesign a website. She clarified a school. Now I know where to begin. 

Interview conducted by Margo Bastow F.EdPlus, Director Community Relations, Santa Maria College