Wayne State Wildcats Unveil Alternate Logos, New Wordmark

An eight-month rebranding processes reached its conclusion earlier this week when Wayne State College unveiled a new visual identity that includes two alternate logos and a new wordmark.

We are proud today to unveil a new look and feel for Wayne State College. Our redesigned visual identity consists of a re-imagined wordmark and the addition of an iconic W and Wildcat. Check out the reveal video to see our BRAND NEW LOGOS! https://t.co/vC2QcmkWqI
— Wayne State College (@waynestcollege) April 29, 2020

“Our brand is what sets Wayne State College apart from other colleges and universities,” school president Marysz Rames said in a statement. “Throughout the college’s history, the visual component of our brand has been refreshed. Sometimes it has been out of necessity, such as a name change, and at other times it has been to recognize new energy and direction at the college. And while there are things that remain uncertain around us right now, there is still a great deal of certainty about who we are and what we do.”

Wayne State College — located in Wayne, Nebraska — has undergone numerous name changes throughout its history, dating back to its founding as Nebraska Normal College in 1891 and includes stints as Wayne State Normal, the Nebraska State Teachers College and Wayne State Teachers College before settling on its current name in 1963. It should not be confused with Wayne State University, which also competes at the NCAA Division II level but is located in Detroit, Michigan.

“We are still that same small college that welcomes students each year for a high-quality, personalized education that is affordable and accessible,” Rames said. “We are still committed to teaching and learning excellence, student success and regional service. What has changed is the set of symbols that represent us in the landscape of higher education.”

Wayne State will continue to use its paw print logo as its primary mark, just as the college has done since the 1980s, but has also added two new logos to complement the existing brand, including a stylized “W” and new Wildcat mascot.

“Letter jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, athletic jerseys, pennants, yearbooks and mascots featured the iconic ‘W’ from our earliest days,” said director of college relations Jay Collier. “As we looked for a new icon to accompany a new wordmark, we took a cue from our history and incorporated the ‘W’ into our new family of logos.”

The new Wildcat logo, meanwhile, is a nod to the college’s original mascot, the Tigers, and is supposed to “reflect the energy and vitality of the college.” It was created by 2002 graduate and graphic design major Kristi Nelson, who currently serves as Wayne State’s marketing coordinator.

The stylized “W” and wordmark, on the other hand, were designed by Clark Creative Group of Omaha.

Wayne State fields 11 varsity sports and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The softball team has been the Wildcats’ most-successful program, reaching the Women’s College World Series in five consecutive seasons (1970-74).

Photos via Wayne State College.