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MC introduces new athletic logo, refreshed brand mark

Special to The Clinton Courier

MC introduces new athletic logo, refreshed brand mark

During its recent Homecoming, Mississippi College introduced an enhanced version of the University’s iconic brand mark and a vibrant new athletic logo.

The traditional MC letters have received a nuanced adjustment, with clean, symmetrical lines, sharp, thin edges, and a more modern look. The new colors are a richer version of the beloved blue and gold.

The athletic logo is more striking: a stylized profile of an eagle – an important animal in the culture of the Choctaw people – adorned with feathers modeled after those prominently displayed in the crowns of Choctaw Indian Princesses. The feathers are offset by diamond shapes commonly found in handmade jewelry or woven baskets crafted by Choctaw artisans.

The refreshed look, part of a new branding initiative at the 197-year-old Christian University, is intended to appeal to a new generation of students, according to Nick Stafford, director of marketing at MC.
“The rebrand was necessary to help make certain elements of MC’s look more cohesive,” Stafford said. “A single brand message strengthens not just how the University looks, but communicates who the University is. Uniformity is essential in messaging, from email signatures to external signage to T-shirts and athletic apparel.

 

The rebrand is reflective of changes that are happening at the operations level of the University. We’re growing and striving to reach the next generation. We want to take strategic steps to reflect those changes that speak to that generation of students.”

The new brand mark is not exclusive to the main campus in Clinton. Stafford said the new branding initiative will also apply to the MC School of Law campus in downtown Jackson.

“We expect this branding initiative to be a long runway,” Stafford said. “It is one of many steps we are taking towards MC’s bicentennial, which will be a big celebration at the University.”

He said the changes to the brand mark were intended to be subtle – upon first glance, many individuals may not notice a difference.
“The new brand mark looks remarkably similar to the one that has existed for a number of years,” Stafford said. “The refreshed design is intended to be nuanced. It’s something that honors the history of MC’s letters.”

The athletic logo, on the other hand, was purposefully different.
“We needed a logo that our athletic teams could get behind, could be proud of, and could easily understand its meaning and history. We did not come up with the design on our own – it’s a reflection of our recently invigorated partnership with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI). We had a concept in mind, and presented the logo to the MBCI. With their great blessing, we have this logo, which is an homage to our partnership and reminds everyone associated with MC of the strong and deep connection the University has with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.”

The athletic logo introduces a new color into the traditional MC blue and Choctaw gold palette: celestial blue.

Stafford said the large MC letters on Pedestrian Street will be replaced with letters reflecting the new insignia.

“The current plan is to auction the current letters off to the highest bidder,” Stafford said. “Anyone interested in purchasing them is welcome to bid.”

To bid on the MC letters, visit mc.edu/homecoming/mc-letters-auction.





1 Comment

  1. Ann S on November 28, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    Wow! Love the change to the printed mascot! Wish we had had something like this when I was there…1987 grad!

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