MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon Nazarene University Athletics has unveiled a new athletic brand with a logo redesign, new typography and color tweaks.
The athletic rebrand transformed the MVNU Cougar from a thin-lined profile to a front-facing cougar that the university believes better illustrates the character and intensity of MVNU athletics.
“The new Cougar athletic brand aligns with the strong character and conviction that easily encapsulates who we are in athletics, and who we are as a university through academic excellence, spiritual formation and athletic competition,” MVNU Athletic Director Chip Wilson said.
The previous cougar and branding have been the marks of the athletic program since 2001, utilizing the primarily blue and green colors. According to school leadership, the new look is designed to establish a clear sense of identity — both internally and externally — to build and inspire pride within the MVNU community, in the Crossroads League and everywhere alumni are engaging in the world.
While the new athletic brand kit has fully embraced a lighter shade of blue that has been part of MVNU’s marketing for eight years, vintage green remains in the kit as a support color and will be utilized in the creation of alternate and throwback designs.
In addition to a new cougar, the suite of images included in the brand kit was conceived to provide a cohesive set of secondary marks that are inspired by MVNU’s Christian mission. A new paw print incorporates imagery from the Eternal Flame and the "shield of faith" and “protection of God” are woven into additional design options.
Custom typography is also part of the kit, which was created to provide another unique signifying mark of the MVNU athletic brand, which can also be used on uniforms and athletic gear for athletes and consumers.
The rebranding initiative was the result of collaboration between MVNU Athletics, the marketing department, focus groups and Rickabaugh Graphics, with the support of the senior leadership team.
The new brand identity will immediately be visible in many applications, including the competition floor in Ariel Arena, on social media and on mvnucougars.com. A more phased-in rollout of the new branding will appear on uniforms, signage, venues and bus wraps as regularly scheduled replacements are needed. The MVNU marketing department is working closely with Cougar Corner to bring the new athletic logo to life on apparel and other products.
An official launch of the new athletic brand will take place at the start of the Fall 2023 athletic season. Details will be announced as they are finalized.
