A student’s location on campus or which department’s business card they see may determine what Missouri Southern logo is used.

The most noticeable logos are the stylized Lion on green “U” shaped background, the athletics Lion, which is the roaring Lion’s head profile, the word mark that is the “MSSU” with all the letters touching and finally the seal, which  is circular with a globe and the stylized lion logo in the center.

“There is confusion,” Director of University Relations and Marketing Cassie Mathes said.

“We are in the process of moving from some imagery we have used in the past and embracing some new imagery that will unite us.”

According to Mathes, the stylized Lion on green is the old campus logo, however the athletic logo has been accepted very well across campus and will be considered the new Lion logo for the University.

The acceptance of the new Lion logo does not remove the use of the wordmark which will continue to be used around campus prominently for business and documents.

To help relieve some of the confusion, an official University style guide is currently being developed, Mathes said.

“What we are trying to do is have a unified look,” University president Bruce Speck said.

The style guide would help departments and personnel know which logos to use and which are being phased out.

In addition to the current logos, there is work being done to pair the wordmark with a new modern lantern for use on letterheads and the website.

“When you look at other universities, their website, letterhead and things you’ll usually see the universities have a torch or an arch or a flame or something that kind of symbolizes knowledge and higher learning,” Mathes said.  

Another project in the works is the redesign of the seal to remove the old Lion logo.

“This evolution is natural for all universities,” Mathes said. “You see their logo kind of change over the years.”  

Not only does Mathes’ office work with the campus logos and imagery, but also with departments and offices seeking to brand themselves.

“Everybody wants to be an individual, but you have to help them be part of the unified look,” said Mathes.