With 100s of camera phones raised in the air in anticipation, Winston-Salem State University recently unveiled a fierce new mascot logo.
“This speaks to the work we’ve been doing to tell the WSSU story,” WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson said during the unveiling on August 19. “Building upon our legacy, the new logo makes a bold statement about who we are. There is no other Ram like it. It is as distinct as our university and truly reflects the WSSU experience.”
The new logo – which will be used by the university’s athletics programs, on gear and as décor across campus – was unveiled after nearly a year of surveys and focus groups of students, alumni, coaches and administrators, said Jaime Hunt, the university’s chief communications officer.
“The development of the new Ram head was truly a collaborative effort,” Hunt said. “We are so thrilled with the final product.”
WSSU engaged with Winston-Salem-based design firm One Hero Creative to create the logo. The new logo is seen as a spirit mark that can be used by departments across the campus to reflect Ram pride. The Rams logo was unveiled at the conclusion of Meet the Rams, an event kicking off the fall athletics season attended by more than 1,000 students and fans. The new logo soon will begin showing up on a billboard, on campus-wide signage and on the field at Bowman Gray Stadium.
“I actually love it. It looks more aggressive than what we use to have,” said Tyree Hooks, a senior accounting major who also dons the moniker, Mr. 125, in reference to the university’s 125th anniversary. “I like it a lot. I didn’t know what to expect.”
Xavier Quick, a running back on the football team, said: “It has more attitude, and that’s what we’re trying to bring to this season.”
The new Ram logo comes a little more than a year after the introduction of a new institutional logo and refreshed brand.
“Our fans are excited,” said Director of Athletics Tonia Walker. “The new logo shows that Rams are fierce competitors and a force to be reckoned with.”
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WSSU AT A GLANCE
1892: Founded as Slater Industrial Academy
1895: N.C. General Assembly takes over support; State Normal School opens
1925: Renamed Winston-Salem Teachers College; becomes first Black institution in nation to award bachelor’s degrees in elementary education
1953: School of Nursing established
1963: Renamed Winston-Salem State College
1969: Renamed Winston-Salem State University
1972: Becomes a constituent institution of the UNC System
1982: Authorized to offer graduate programs
2011: First doctoral program
Undergraduate
Bachelor’s degrees: 38
Minors: 42
Graduate
Master’s: 7
Doctoral: 2
Post-baccalaureate certifications: 6
