May 6, 2005 UNT Inhouse publication: Discover UNT draws almost 1,000 to see university’s updated look

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Discover UNT draws almost 1,000 to see university's updated look

Nearly 1,000 people attended the Discover UNT event April 27 in the University Union, where university and system administrators unveiled the university's updated brand and discussed the future as outlined in the academic plan.

Howard Johnson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the new academic plan, crafted with the help of more than 200 university community members, will guide UNT in embracing its role as an emerging research university. At the same time, the plan calls for supporting and growing the university's traditional and acknowledged areas of excellence.

"We started as a ‘normal college' where education, the arts and professional programs were foremost among our strengths," Johnson said. "We firmly believe those disciplines belong in a true research university. Our strengths are the foundation upon which we will build — through interdisciplinary work and through creative partnerships."

Johnson also said the plan calls for the university to "crystallize" its image.

"By rightfully declaring ourselves as the best place to discover the power of ideas, we are taking a bold step toward asserting our status as an emerging research university," he said.

"Discover the power of ideas," the university's new tagline, was revealed during the event as part of the new branding effort. The branding campaign encompasses changes in the graphic symbols as well as in the updated words and ideas that UNT will use to represent itself.

The branding marks, which include a set of wordmarks and logos for academic and more formal usage as well as a set for spirit and more casual usage, embody the unique personality and traditions of UNT, according to Deborah Leliaert, vice president for university relations.

Gayle Strange, UNT System regent; Chancellor Lee Jackson; President Norval Pohl; and Rick Villarreal, athletic director, also spoke at the event before faculty, staff, students and alumni received free merchandise with the new marks.

The Division of University Relations, Communications and Marketing is working to update the university style guide for release this summer to detail the use of the updated brand's graphic marks and key words.

Current information for implementing the new look is at www.unt.edu/branding/brandingresources.htm.