Philip Sparn | ClarksvilleNow.com
psparn@ClarksvilleNow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University athletics unveiled its fresh new visual identity at a press conference Tuesday morning in the Dunn Center.
APSU President Tim Hall and Athletics Director Derek van de Merwe revealed a new Governors visual marketing package, logo and mission statement to a large crowd of APSU community members.
The new visual identity includes a new fierce and aggressive looking Governor Peay logo and a modernized marketing package surrounding the new logo and mission statement.
van de Merwe emphasized that the new logo and marketing package represents a focus on fostering a “culture of excellence,” at APSU and in the athletic department.
“We must strive to achieve excellence in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field,’ said van de Merwe. “Winning is not an accident it is an intentional process … It starts with every aspect of our program being excellent.”
Van de Merwe said that the tradition of APSU and the history of Governor Austin Peay played an integral role revamping the new identity and logo.
“Governor Peay came from this area and achieved great things in the state of Tennessee. His resilience and tenacity as a leader should help inspire our student athletes and fans to believe anything is possible,” said van De Merwe. “This is the rise of the Governor at Austin Peay. This is not just the rise of an image logo or a mark, this marks the rise of the people that believe and are passionate about what this institution can achieve.”
van de Merwe emphasized that he wanted the APSU community to be proud of their school and its athletics programs when they see the logo.
“The new Governor Peay logo is forward looking and tenacious and it should serve as a point of pride for our student-athletes and fans when they compete on and off the field,” said van de Merwe.
van de Merwe pointed out that the vision for the new brand was led by the APSU community in a collaborative process, including – APSU students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, comment members and alumni.
“Today is a great day in the history of APSU athletics,” said van de Merwe. “This is more than just a logo … This is a process that represents what we stand for, where we came from and who we are.”
President Hall was excited about what the new visual identity and said it would serve as a good rejuvenation for the athletics department.
“The principal is simple … No institution stays great by standing still,” said Hall. “We are moving forward, instead of declining we are climbing. Austin Peay is gaining ground as a national brand and this step helps up progress in that direction.”
van de Merwe said he hopes all the Governors teams will be sporting the new logos on their jerseys next season and said the new visual identity will be slowly transitioned across the board in the athletic department and on playing surfaces based upon funding.
Photos by Philip Sparn | ClarksvilleNow.com