The Board of Trustees approved Metro’s new shortened name, logo, and seal at their meeting June 7. With the official transition to university on July 1, Metro will officially be known as MSU Denver.

A survey was sent out to Metro students, staff, faculty, and alumni asking which shortened name they preferred. The results showed a close race between MSU Denver and Metro State. MSU Denver was more popular among students and alumni, whereas Metro State was preferred among staff and faculty.

“When we looked at the overall goal of the name, [we wanted to] have something that represents our geographical location, something that indicates that we are a four-year university, and the shortened name of MSU Denver seemed to be the best fit,” said Cathy Lucas, Associate to the President for Marketing and Communications.

MSU Denver will be on all official paperwork, and the new domain name for the school will be msudenver.edu. Metro State, as well as MSU Denver, will continue to be used on uniforms in the athletic department.

“For now, we have a very strong brand as Metro State. That’s what we’re known as, so that’s what we’re going to stay as,” said athletic director Joan McDermott. “We will have the new logo and MSU Denver on our uniforms, and a year from now, that will go on the gym floor.”
The new logo still has the roadrunner head with the same colors, but differently stylized.

The new seal features multiple symbols, including the torch of knowledge and several buildings from the community and campus. In addition, the new seal has the date 1965 to represent when Metro opened its doors, rather than 1963 when it gained legislation. The school has been celebrating its anniversaries based on the 1965 date, with the 50th anniversary set for 2015.

“Metro State is part of our heritage and MSU Denver is part of our future, so I think you’re going to have a blended use,” Lucas said. “Dr. Jordan continues to say we want to keep one foot in our past and remain true to our heritage but then put one foot in our future.”

Tags: board, Metro State, MSU Denver, name change

People: Cathy Lucas, Joan McDermott, Stephen Jordan