The Frankel Story

Frankel: HIGHER ED is a dedicated division of Frankel, a nationally recognized marketing and branding agency with more than 20 years of experience across healthcare, finance, real estate, hospitality, and education.

While we've long worked with colleges and universities, we’re not higher ed-exclusive—and that’s by design. Our team brings proven strategies from other performance-driven industries and applies them to higher education’s unique structure, culture, and goals. The result? Campaigns that outperform expectations, creative that resonates across audiences, and strategies that break through in a competitive landscape.


Led by Experts. Designed for Impact.

Our senior leadership brings decades of experience in brand development, enrollment marketing, digital strategy, and creative execution—specifically for colleges and universities.

Ryan Frankel
President
With a lifetime of experience building brands, Ryan leads with strategic insight. He’s developed campaigns and communications for universities across the U.S., including Auburn University, Florida Gateway College, Florida State University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia and the University of Richmond, helping these institutions grow stronger, more authentic brands that connect and endure.
Ashleigh Flanders
Vice President & Partner
Ashleigh brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising management and holds a PhD from the University of London. She combines academic research with real-world strategy to lead award-winning campaigns and brand efforts that deliver a strong return on investment for several universities across the country, including Auburn University, the Kennesaw State University and the University of Florida.
Catherine DiVeta
Vice President of Client Operations
Catherine has more than 12 years of experience ensuring operational excellence and working closely with client teams to navigate complex approval processes, align expectations with multiple stakeholders and streamline workflows for efficient milestone delivery. Her strategic approach to process development and team leadership has successfully guided marketing projects for higher ed institutions, including her alma mater, UF, as well as colleges at Auburn and UGA.
Walton Dale
Creative Director
With over 20 years of experience, Walton brings bold, creative thinking to every project. His work includes branding for Auburn University, Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia and the University of Florida, helping higher ed clients stand out with strong visual identities and effective campaigns.
Bri Weimer
Bri Weimer
Director of Digital Marketing
After earning her degree in Public Relations and Business Administration from the University of Florida, Bri began her career in agency marketing, quickly finding her stride at the intersection of digital strategy and creative storytelling. Over the past decade, she’s built a reputation for crafting thoughtful, results-driven campaigns. Before joining Frankel, Bri spent over a decade at small advertising agencies where she managed multimillion-dollar media budgets, guided full-funnel campaigns, and oversaw analytics and owned digital strategy for a diverse roster of clients.
Jason Cohen
Director of Research + Insights
A recovering academic and life-long researcher with two books to his name, Jason brings 20+ years of insight and market intelligence to guide clients through high-stakes branding and reputational challenges. Prior to joining Frankel, Jason served as Senior Research Advisor at Hanover Research, where he led data-driven initiatives for more than 100 colleges and universities. At Frankel, Jason leads research engagements with a deep understanding of client culture and a clear focus on results that matter.
TJ Aseltyne
Director of Brand Voice
With more than 25 years in advertising, TJ helps universities find their true voice and hone their message. He has shaped brand language for Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, the University of Georgia, the University of Florida and the University of Virginia, using creative storytelling to strengthen audience connection in competitive markets.

Recognized for Excellence

We don't just win results—we win awards. Our work has been recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations in marketing and design, including:

    Certified. Trusted. Performance-Driven.

    Frankel holds active certifications across leading platforms to ensure our clients receive best-in-class performance and analytics.

    Learn More About Our Capabilities

    Looking for a one-sheet to share with your team? Want to rethink how higher ed marketing is done? We've got you covered.

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