Athletics | July 09, 2014

With great change comes great opportunity.

In an effort to capitalize on being Tennessee's fastest-growing university and to increase brand recognition, Austin Peay State University athletics released new logos, word marks and typography in April, designed for the department to achieve maximum consistency while distinguishing history and traditions and representing a strategic vision moving forward.

The 'new Gov' is a modernized, forward-facing gentleman with a stern look, meant to represent a stronger, sleeker upgrade while keeping the base trappings of Austin Peay's iconic figure. The red coat, top hat, monocle and classic necktie take on symbolic meaning long found within the Governors Club infrastructure. Those four symbols represent the organization's donation levels, giving the department's valued donors a personal connection with the Govs' new appearance. 

The 'AP' mark – which has been a university-wide symbol since 1977 – also got a sleeker look. Slight adjustments will greatly increase the University's marketability through merchandising. 

A customized typography for use across the athletics department will also be included in the new redesign. The combinations will be used with the updated Governors and 'AP' logo, in addition to specific identities for various team sports, the Governors Club and the Peay!Nuts student fan club. LetsGoPeay.com will change servers in June, with an updated website layout and new video integration among the new features visitors to the site can expect. The new marks are designed to appeal to a younger generation while maintaining the logo's sophisticated look, and will be adopted by the university as well.

While the marks were designed by nationally-recognized design firm Joe Bosack and Co., which has created sports logos for Mississippi State, Boise State, UNLV, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference, the concepts were home grown.

The new logo will be proudly displayed on Russell Athletic® apparel. The Russell Brands, LLC parent company and the athletic department reached an agreement in May for Russell Athletic® to become the official uniform and apparel outfitter for all athletic teams.

APSU's new Russell apparel will be distributed on campus through the Ann Ross Bookstore and Govs Game Day locations in new Governors Stadium, the Dunn Center, Hand Park, with parent company Nebraska Book Company (Neebo), handling all online sales via GovsGear.com. In addition the new Austin Peay Athletics/Russell apparel will be available for sale at Walmart store locations and at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Both Walmart and Academy Sports recently have entered into multiyear partnership agreements with Austin Peay athletics and will be carrying branded apparel line.

Previous 2013-14 Top 10 Items:
July 7 - Stansfield and Siliva earn Academic All-American honors
July 8 - Henderson earns USA Volleyball tryout