With the university set to change its name to Utah Tech on July 1, Dixie State unveiled its new logo and wordmark earlier this month.
“We are proud to be transitioning to the Utah Tech name that highlights the impactful active learning experiences and career preparation each and every student gets in all of our 200-plus academic programs,” university president Richard B. Williams said in a statement. “The Utah Tech brand builds upon the legacy this institution has established over the last 111 years and will serve our students and university well for generations to come.”
The Trailblazers are retaining their nickname, bison mascot and blue and red color scheme, which is supposed to represent the blue skies and the colder weather in northern Utah and the red rocks and warmer climate of the southern portion of the state.
That is reflected in Utah Tech’s primary logo and wordmark, which are blue on top, red on the bottom and have a “horizon” line separating the two colors. The state outline can be seen in the negative space of the “U,” while the “UT” serves a dual purpose as the state and university acronym.
Additionally, there is a No. 1 at the forefront of the “U” that is supposed to represent the Trailblazers’ Division I athletic programs and a Pi symbol in the “UT,” which highlights the university’s “commitment to STEM education.”
These changes are the culmination of more than two years of research into Dixie State’s name and the development of the new marks, a decision that was sparked by the death of George Floyd and ensuing social justice movements. It was also established into state law.
Dixie State was known as the Rebels and used a Confederate soldier as its mascot from 1952 through 2009, at which time the athletic programs were renamed the Red Storm. Another name change occurred in 2016, with Trailblazers beating out the Sun Warriors and Raptors.
That said, the main campus of Utah Tech, which is located in St. George, will still be referred to as the “Dixie Campus” as a compromise between supporters and opposers of the name change.
“This new brand is a culmination of more than 100 years of relentless trailblazing from thousands of innovators who have come before us,” vice president of marketing and communication Dr. Jordon Sharp said. “This is yet another example of our community’s willingness to sacrifice, pivot and forge a new and stronger path when necessary.”
Photos courtesy of Utah Tech University.
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