Elevating Excellence: Rockhurst University Invests in its Iconic Brand, Selects Crux KC as Marketing “Un-Agency” of Record

A premier Kansas City educational institution with deep roots in whole-person learning, leadership and service and a local business are announcing an exciting new partnership to elevate their brand, tell their story and welcome more students.

Rockhurst University has selected Crux KC as its marketing “un-agency” of record, a powerhouse partnership made official in December 2023.

“Now is the perfect time for Rockhurst to invest in our marketing strategy to amplify what we all know to be great about this institution. We are a learning community that supports students who are eager to use their education to stand up for what’s fair and just and be the difference makers,” said Rockhurst University President and CEO Sandra Cassady, Ph.D. “Working with Crux KC will help reinforce the Rockhurst name as a top-tier option for students of every background and faith in Kansas City and beyond.”

Known for its supportive Jesuit values and transformational journey for students, staff and faculty, Rockhurst has been a staple in Kansas City higher education since 1910. The nearly 3,400 students attending Rockhurst annually learn not just academics, but also leadership and service across 50 graduate and undergraduate programs.

“When searching for a marketing partner, we were looking for one who was truly ingrained with Rockhurst as a part of our team and not just another vendor,” said Rockhurst Vice President of Enrollment Management Mark Steinlage. “The proven track record of Melea and her team of marketing professionals at Crux KC who elevate Kansas City brands gave us confidence and trust in our decision.”

Rockhurst was named No. 13 among Midwest regional universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2024. Rockhurst athletics became an NCAA Division II member institution in 1998. Its MBA program through the Helzberg School of Management ranked No. 2 on Kansas City Business Journal’s latest list of MBA programs in the Kansas City metro.

Crux KC was started by Founder & CEO Melea McRae in 2016. Since then, Crux has grown to an active roster of more than 70 clients supported by a team of 47. Crux recently ranked No. 3 on the Kansas City Business Journal’s Fractional Executive Service Companies List and has been named an Inc Best Workplace and an Inc. 5000 company (#1500 in 2023, and #2678 in 2022), as well as a two-time Ingram’s Corporate Report 100 nominee, a two-time KCBJ Champion of Business and 2023 Fast 50 company, and a three-time Greater KC Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Small Business. Crux has also been named as a Kansas City Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2021 and is a Healthy KC Gold Certified company.

“As a proud alum of Rockhurst’s Executive MBA program, I’m honored to represent such a strong, legacy brand in Kansas City through marketing, messaging and brand awareness. Rockhurst is deeply rooted in values that align with ours at Crux, and our entire team is excited to embark on this partnership,” said McRae. “We look forward to unapologetically telling the Rockhurst story: A university dedicated to creating ethical leaders who are lifelong learners and good stewards of our community.”

Rockhurst University joins Crux’s growing roster of stellar Kansas City brands, including Charlie Hustle, Chicken N Pickle, Copaken Brooks, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City University, NAIA, Q39, Ripple Glass, TreviPay, and many others.