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.
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.
Kyle Washburn
Assoc. Director of Digital Marketing
Kyle brings more than 10 years of digital marketing experience with a focus on data and performance. A former U.S. Army Armor Officer, he helps higher ed clients implement and optimize campaigns that reach the right audiences and deliver measurable results.

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.

    Click to Download One-Sheet   Subscribe to Higher Ed Newsletter