by Elisabeth Coon, Student Public Relations Writer
In an increasingly crowded social media landscape where colleges and universities across the country compete for audiences’ fleeting attention, Cedarville University is breaking through the noise. Through intentional, engagement-driven storytelling, the university has built a distinctive social presence that authentically connects campus life and biblical values with prospective students.
That approach earned Cedarville University two national honors in 2025 for social media excellence. Rival IQ/Quid ranked Cedarville No. 1 among NCAA Division II institutions in higher education social media, and the university placed No. 7 on the Top 10 Effective Higher Ed Admissions Social Media Campaigns list released in October — recognition that underscores Cedarville’s ability to turn meaningful content into measurable engagement.
How Cedarville University Rose to the Top of Higher Education Social Media
Rival IQ/Quid evaluated Division I and Division II institutions using performance analytics based on engagement rather than follower count across major social platforms. That distinction played to Cedarville’s strengths.
“We may be located in a rural part of Ohio,” said Sarah O’Donnell, director of strategic communications, "but our digital presence reaches far through users who aren’t just passively consuming content but actively liking, sharing and commenting.”
That level of interaction, including engagement from non-followers, has played a critical role in Cedarville’s ability to compete digitally with institutions that have larger marketing budgets and broader name recognition.
Engagement, Not Follower Count, Set Cedarville Apart
Unlike rankings that focus primarily on audience size, the Rival IQ/Quid methodology prioritizes meaningful interaction. Cedarville’s content consistently encourages conversation, sharing and response, signaling trust and connection with its audience. This engagement-focused approach reflects a broader shift in higher education marketing, where authenticity increasingly matters more than scale.
From No. 18 to No. 1: A Year of Strategic Digital Growth
The recognition reflects significant growth over the past year. In one year, Cedarville rose from No. 18 to No. 1 among Division II institutions, a jump that demonstrates Cedarville’s communication team’s consistent effort in strengthening its content strategy. That growth has been driven by content that incorporates both student life and biblical values, particularly on Instagram and TikTok.
“We’re intentional about staying aligned with our mission while creating content that reflects real student life,” said Kelly Gollihue, social media strategist.
Value-Driven Strategy Highlights Student Experience
The social media team's success is rooted in original, entertaining content that highlights campus culture and shows how the student experience extends beyond the classroom. “A large part of a student’s time is spent in the classroom or doing homework,” O’Donnell said, “but there is another whole portion that is before and after class and on the weekends. This is where higher education marketing really thrives: when it shows it's more than just a degree.” That people-centered strategy continues to shape Cedarville's social media presence.
“External recognition is encouraging, but it isn’t what drives our daily work,” Gollihue said. “Our focus remains on serving students, staying aligned with Cedarville’s mission and creating content that authentically reflects our faith and campus culture while connecting with students where they are.”
Reaching Gen Z Where They Are — and Where Social Media Is Going Next
Social media strategy at Cedarville is led by Gollihue and O’Donnell. Their intentional approach has shaped a cohesive online presence that moves audiences from passive viewing to active engagement.
This national recognition reinforces Cedarville’s ability to reach prospective students through TikTok and Instagram, platforms most relevant to Gen Z. By offering an inside look at campus life, biblical integration and academics, the university connects with students early and authentically. As social media platforms continue to evolve and shift, the Strategic Communications team remains committed to research, adaptability and creativity in telling Cedarville’s story.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
