MVNU Brings Fresh Face to Cougar Athletic Brand

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — A new day for Mount Vernon Nazarene University Athletics has arrived with the unveiling of a new athletic brand.

The athletic rebrand transformed the Cougar from a thin-lined profile to a front-facing Cougar that 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," said Chip Wilson, MVNU Athletic Director.

The previous Cougar and branding has been the mark of the athletic program since 2001 utilizing the primary blue and green colors. The new look will establish a clear sense of identity — both internally and externally — and will 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 provide a cohesive set of secondary marks that are inspired by MVNU's intentionally 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 provides 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. MVNU's 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.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.