CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – It has been 36 years since Austin Peay State University rolled out a new AP logo. That logo was so unique, so distinctive it stood the test of time.
When Austin Peay athletics unveils its new visual identity series and brand marks at a press conference, 11 a.m., Tuesday, on the Dunn Center floor, APSU alums and athletics fans can rest assured the slight alterations to the primary logo are subtle ones—it still will have those inimitable characteristics acclaimed by electronic, print and visual media.
The new series also will include a new Governor Peay logo, including one that will serve as the alternate primary logo, along with a fresh word mark heightened by a contemporary font—all these changes will embody APSU's new “Culture of Excellence” characteristics.
“We're very excited about our new visual identity,” said APSU Athletics Director Derek van der Merwe said. “This is something that is important for the future of APSU athletics. These new marks strengthen the APSU brand and will factor in everything from marketing to recruiting.
“In our meetings with our respective teams, our student-athletes reacted enthusiastically to the proposed changes as did all our constituencies. These will represent who we are now and into the future.”
Approximately nine months ago. APSU assembled a committee of university staff members, local businessmen and alumni to spearhead an effort to enhance the visual identity of APSU Athletics. Joe Bosack and Co., based out of Pottsville, Pa., was hired to create a look that represented the school's vision.
The company presented multiple initial concepts—six AP logos, seven Governor Peay logos and five word marks, which was narrowed to three finalists. At that point, APSU Athletics met with constituency groups including Governors Club members, campus leaders, students, student-athletes, coaches, staff, season-ticket holders and donors to seek feedback.
“College sports fans love to show their colors and loyalty to their school,” said Jeff Bibb, of BLF Marketing. “The updated brand components – of which the new Governor mascot emblem is the most visually striking piece – have been carefully developed with the fan experience in mind. Of critical importance is making high-impact APSU Governors merchandise available to Peay fans everywhere. Students, alumni and APSU faithful can look forward to purchasing boldly branded shirts, jackets, jerseys, caps, flags and other first-class merchandising items so they can proudly display their Peay Pride.”
“The AP logo is one of the most recognizable brand marks in the OVC,” said Mike O'Malley, a longtime member of Wendy's National Advertising Board, APSU Governors Club and Red Coat Society member. “Any changes or adjustments made had to be well thought out. These changes may be subtle, but they create a cleaner, more readable mark that will work better in all uses.”
Bibb and O'Malley were members of the APSU Branding committee. Bibb, Governors Club President Britney Campbell will be part of a four-member panel that will discuss the new identity brand series after the unveiling and press conference. Also on the panel will be Mike Rainier, President of the Student Governor Association who also was a member of the Branding Committee, and volleyball player Jada Stotts, who is Student-Athlete Advisory Council president.
APSU athletics will be giving away new t-shirts with the new brand at the press conference. The Ann Ross Bookstore also will have new merchandise available after the press conference. Meanwhile, merchandise featuring the new identity will begin showing up at area retailers during the summer. All university athletic squads will be outfitted with the new marks beginning in Fall 2014.
The complete rollout, including fields, courts and more, will take approximately four years to complete.
-AP-
