Ohio University to move to one logo system beginning in summer 2026

Beginning in the summer of 2026, Ohio University will retire its existing academic logo and word mark and move to a one logo system, embracing the arched OHIO as its primary mark across both academics and athletics.

“Over the last two decades, most national universities have moved to single logo systems rather than utilizing distinct logos for academic and athletic programs,” said Robin Oliver, vice president for University Communications and Marketing at Ohio University. “Using one logo across all activities helps to drive broader brand recognition in the marketplace.”

A familiar logo, a new era for OHIO

Oliver said the arched OHIO logo, which is currently used exclusively for Ohio Athletics, has more recognition and affinity than the academic word mark. Beginning this summer, the arched OHIO will serve as the “one logo” for all parts of the University, and the current academic word mark will be retired.

As part of this change, the design of the arched OHIO has been updated to add the word “University” underneath, and the addition utilizes the custom brand font from the now-retired word mark for additional continuity. This updated mark will serve as the University’s primary logo.

Ohio Athletics will continue to use the arched OHIO logo lockup featuring the “Attack Cat” as its primary logo; however, they also plan to adopt the stand-alone arched OHIO for more frequent use to further brand alignment across the University. Additionally, the standalone arched OHIO is already often utilized as the brand identifier on many official Ohio Athletics uniforms.

Ohio University’s Senior Director of Creative and Brand Aaron Harden, a 2007 Ohio University graduate, served as the lead designer for the new one logo project, which included input from various stakeholders within the University as well as focus groups with alumni with expertise in marketing, branding and design.

Harden said it was clear from stakeholder conversations that the arched OHIO had the most recognition of any logo, past or present, used by the University. Another consistent throughline in conversations was the desire to embrace “OU” as a secondary reference and common refrain for Bobcat fans. OHIO does not currently have a trademark on any “OU” mark.

“As a Bobcat myself, I couldn’t agree more with the need to embrace ‘OU,’” Harden said. “We took that feedback seriously, and later this year, we’ll be introducing a new ‘OU’ mark that complements the arched OHIO from a design perspective and can be used on licensed merchandise and in special design projects. We want to provide as much flexibility as possible and embrace fan affinity while also working to achieve better continuity and broader logo recognition.”

Harden highlighted the recent reintroduction of the well-loved Bobcat Paw Print as a licensed alumni affinity mark and the ongoing use of the Forever OHIO badge as fan favorites.

Providing a three-year runway to complete the logo transition

To minimize any unessential expenses as the University transitions to a one logo strategy, University colleges, divisions and units will have three years (through August 2029) to replace printed materials and signage featuring the academic word mark that will be retired this summer. Beginning immediately, as existing materials are exhausted and replaced, the new one logo system should be used.

New logo guidelines are available at ohio.edu/logo, and updated stationery and other standard assets will be available later in the spring 2026 semester. Units in need of design updates to materials can submit a request to University Communications and Marketing through its online request form or stop by the UCM Marketing Services Center in Grosvenor Hall 113, near the main building entrance.