Inspired Gear
Effective Digital Signage in Higher Education: Real World Applications and Trends

EXECUTIVE BRIEF

Effective Digital Signage in Higher Education: Real World Applications and Trends

About this Executive Brief

Digital signage has revolutionized communication within universities and colleges, enhancing the experience for students, faculty, and visitors. Over the last 20 years, digital signage has evolved from simple display screens to sophisticated networks that integrate with various campus systems, providing dynamic and interactive content catered to the right audiences for any campus location. The ability to deliver real-time information, promote events, and ensure safety through emergency alerts has made digital signage an indispensable tool in higher education.

As part of Poppulo’s Forward ‘24 virtual webinar series, we brought together industry leaders from Penn State University, the University of Nebraska, and West Virginia University to share their insights on the latest trends and best practices in digital signage for higher education. The discussion highlighted how colleges and universities have adopted innovative solutions to connect with their campus communities more effectively.

From interactive wayfinding kiosks and emergency alerts to dynamic menuboards and student communications, digital signage is being used in diverse ways to improve campus operations and enhance the overall experience for students and staff. You can watch the full session, Redefining Campus Comms: A Panel Discussion on Digital Signage Trends, on-demand here.

This executive brief summarizes the key takeaways from the webinar, providing a comprehensive overview of the most impactful trends in digital signage for higher education. We’ll share real-world examples of how top universities are leveraging this technology, strategies for setting up and managing a signage network, and the benefits of using dynamic content to engage and inform the campus community.

Author

 Christine Kendall

Christine Kendall

Content Marketing Manager, Poppulo

Contributors

Nate Morris

Nate Morris

Digital Signage Administrator at The University of Nebraska

Steve "Chewie" Stavar

Steve "Chewie" Stavar

Senior Customer Success Engineer

Curtis Thompson

Curtis Thompson

Systems Design Specialist at Penn State University

Jeff Sechler

Jeff Sechler

Graphic Design Specialist at Penn State University

Related content

Top Employee Communication Trends & Strategies for 2026

Internal comms is heading into 2026 with more uncertainty about its role than at any point in recent memory. AI is changing the work at speed. Trust is slipping. Managers are stretched thin. Employees are tuning out. And the expectations placed on IC keep widening into work that falls well beyond its traditional scope—often without the structure or support to match. The familiar models aren’t holding, and the function is being pulled into a new order that still isn’t fully defined. 2026 will ask big questions of IC: what it stands for, where it fits, and how it leads through a year marked by uncertainty and shifting expectations. To understand what this means in practice, we’re bringing together four leaders who are working at the sharp end of these changes: Stephanie Cornell, Head of People Communications & Marketing, WPP Annabelle Gordon, Director of Employee Communications, Super Regine Nelson, Director of Internal Communications, Couchbase Stacie Barrett, Former Director of Internal Communications, Domino’s Moderated by Joss Mathieson of Change Oasis, this 60-minute session, including time for your questions, will get into the real pressures facing IC in 2026 and how teams can work through them. Expect to Explore: The shifting identity of internal comms and what it means to play a deeper role in shaping the employee experience Where AI is genuinely changing the work of internal comms, and the risks that emerge when speed increases but understanding doesn’t How IC can work alongside leaders and other functions when old command-and-control habits no longer hold up How IC can rebuild trust and strengthen resilience by creating communication that feels human, transparent, and genuinely meaningful in a year defined by ambiguity The emotional and practical load on IC practitioners, and how to stay steady when you’re communicating through the same uncertainty as everyone else Don’t miss this—save your spot now! January 27, 11AM ET / 4PM GMT

WEBINAREMPLOYEE COMMS
Campus Communication Reimagined: The Digital Signage Advantage

Over the past two decades, campus communication has shifted from posters and email blasts to a complex web of comms channels that are accessible to students, faculty, and visitors throughout their days. The modern university is both physical and digital, and the speed of communication must meet the needs of a digitally-native generation. In this environment, digital signage has moved from a nice-to-have to a strategic medium—visible, immediate, and flexible—one that connects a dispersed campus. This whitepaper explores how institutions are using digital signage to communicate smarter and faster, and how to build a program that is easy to operate, simple to scale, and resilient in the moments that matter most. Drawing on Poppulo’s expertise in digital signage for college campuses, we’ll share how leading universities are centralizing digital signage management, empowering multiple departments, and using data and design to make every message count. Keep reading to learn how top universities are leveraging digital signage to create more connected, informed, and vibrant campus communities, setting new standards for communication in higher education.

GUIDESDIGITAL SIGNAGE
Reimagining Digital Signage: How AI Will Transform the Market

Dive a little deeper into AI for digital signage and learn what the future holds for these two technologies. Across the enterprise, AI is no longer a distant vision—it’s quickly becoming a practical tool reshaping how organizations work, connect, and communicate. From automating workflows to personalizing customer experiences, AI is changing the way information flows, both inside and outside of businesses. For digital signage network owners, this shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge. How do we move from simply broadcasting content to delivering communication that’s adaptive, intelligent, and responsive in real time? How do we take advantage of AI in ways that make networks easier to manage, more engaging for audiences, and more valuable to the business? This shift is something most businesses are currently navigating, but they don’t have to figure it all out on their own. Poppulo is here to help demystify the technology and provide insight into how AI will shape the future of digital signage.

WHITEPAPERSDIGITAL SIGNAGE