New logo woe

You won't find many people more excited about Southwest Missouri State University's name changing to The Missouri State University. You won't find many people more ready to huck their antiquated "SMS" gear for a fresh new wardrobe. I was absolutely aped about seeing the new Missouri State logos - done by Keith Prejean and Prejean LoBue, the innovator of the much-loved "Cauliflower Bear."

Then, I saw the new marks.



Gah.

I couldn't even bring myself to vote in the News-Leader poll. Pick a favorite? There are no favorites here.

Greg Onstot and the folks at University Advancement have wisely tried to keep as many things as they can the same during the transition: Same colors, same bear logo, etc. They've also - wisely - kept folks away from "MSU," at least for the time being, lest others think we're talking about Michigan State, Mississippi State, Montana State, etc.

But I don't get dropping the very-recognizable "SMS" typeface for this new, generic look. Whey not drop an "MSU" on us, like so:



They could at least keep that same lettering in some of the new logos. The block "M" is a lot tighter with the current block "M":



And adding "University" to almost everything gets a little ridiculous. It's really superfluous.

I really don't like bagging on this because I think Greg Onstot - who certainly has his detractors on internet message boards - really wants to do the right thing. He has a great passion for SMS, er...MO State.

And Prejean does great work. Just look at Cauliflower Bear or check out his web site. And to be fair, I do like the Carrington Hall logos, to be used in non-athletic applications.



But the rest of this stuff just doesn't excite me.

I don't think it's befitting of The Missouri State University.