Vanderbilt Introduces New School Seal, Athletics Logo

/in /by

Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt University is giving itself an identity refresh as it releases a new school seal and logo that will be shared by the university and its athletics.

“From my perspective, the timing is perfect in that it illustrates the ‘new era’ that we have spoken of often,” says Candice Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “It’s a new day, with new energy, alignment and momentum to match. It’s another example of Vandy United in action.”

Updates to the Vanderbilt identity come after extensive input from across the community, with more than 500 completed surveys, over 70 one-on-one interviews, and dozens of workshops and group engagement sessions conducted during the past two years. Vandy also received feedback from the Commodore Fan Council and the Black and Gold board of advisers in developing the new marks.

A survey on the initiative was sent to university deans, select faculty, students and coaches. Feedback sessions for the proposed new marks included coaches and administrators.

Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

“Our ‘One Vanderbilt’ spirit defines who we are, and we wanted our identity to reflect that,” says Steve Ertel, vice chancellor for communications and marketing, led the effort. “We heard from individuals across the university that they wanted our marks to signify who we are today, and that they also wanted to demonstrate stronger unity between the university and athletics. The symbols we use to express who we are as a community help us convey a shared sense of purpose that can guide and inspire us while also attracting others to join and support that shared purpose.”

The refresh also includes a completely redesigned university seal. The seal features a new Latin motto, the university’s first: “Crescere aude,” which translates to “dare to grow.”

“All great institutions have a clear sense of themselves. As we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary next year, it’s time for Vanderbilt to sharpen our expression of who we are and what makes us unique. As we look ahead, we believe that a strong sense of self will direct and accelerate our growth and evolution,” says Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. “This new visual identity is designed to help build and share the pride in our collaborative community and to bring greater visibility to our university across the country and around the world.”

Courtesy of Vanderbilt Communications

The university worked with design studio Upstatement on the refresh, building upon a previous collaboration in relaunching the university’s new website in 2021. 

Upstatement is considered an industry leader in brand and digital product design, having extensive experience working with top-ranked schools including MIT, Harvard, Princeton and Yale. The company has also worked with major sports media companies, from ESPN to the PGA Tour, to inspire audiences and gain competitive advantage in their respective fields.

The new logos will be added to all uniforms and university apparel starting in 2023.

Athletics facilities and playing fields will be updated with the new marks over the next several years as is logistically feasible to do so.

Steven Boero
Latest posts by Steven Boero (see all)