University of Mount Olive Unveils New Logos
MOUNT OLIVE – With a new name comes a new look. The University of Mount Olive unveiled its new institutional and athletics logos at a celebration event at 11:30 AM Wednesday, March 19, in the Lois K. Murphy Regional Center Alumni Dining 
Room. The new logos coincide with the institution’s recent name change back in January when it transitioned from a college to a university.
For the institutional logo, the University engaged with TWG Plus, an experienced marketing agency noted for its ability to deliver unique, enduring and compelling brand identities for its clients.
“We had several goals for our new logo design,” stated Rhonda Jessup, director of Public Relations. “We wanted a design that would be versatile. We asked for a logo that could be easily altered to fit into spaces of various shapes and sizes, making our design stand out as well-crafted. We also wanted a logo that would incorporate our ideologies into one single graphic – maintaining our heritage yet having a modern flair that would transcend time.”
The logo most recently used by the institution was originally designed and approved by the Board of Trustees back in 1992. Two of the symbols, the lamp and the cross, used in that logo were carried over into the new design. The lamp of learning symbolizes the purpose of the institution is to facilitate learning and the cross symbolizes the University’s Christian faith.
The new logo is a three color design using green, gold and gray. The change of font from Times New Roman to Goudy Book Letter and Garamond, have given movement to the logo, showcasing the institution as active, fluid and ever-changing.
“I am very pleased with the new logo,” said President Philip P. Kerstetter. “As we moved from college to university status, we wanted a new look that represented the continuing growth and development of Mount Olive, but we also wanted to preserve those symbols that our founders felt represented our mission, vision and values. This new logo captures that spirit and will serve the University of Mount Olive well now and in the future.”
The Department of Athletics also unveiled its new logo. The most recent version of the logo was created in 2006 by Jordan Sain with Hoke Signs & Graphic Designs and was so well received that the institution went back to the same designer to update the logo with the new university name. According to Athletics Director Jeff Eisen, they asked the designer to keep the helmet as the main brand, but to fine tune the look. They also wanted a logo that would be versatile and that would retain the green, white and black colors.
“We are excited about the new athletics logo,” Eisen said. “It conveys our pride in our athletics program through a strong, attractive, and flexible design.”
Now that the University has a new name and new logos, every aspect of operations from business cards, to signage, to letterhead, to institutional marketing, etc. will begin to be changed over the next several months.
“This is an exciting time in the life of the University of Mount Olive, and all of us who are connected with this institution look forward to the future. We will continue to transform this institution, and we will continue to serve our students, our founding church, and our communities,” said President Philip P. Kerstetter.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.