NSU To Begin Accepting New Mascot Suggestions

TAHLEQUAH - Anyone sitting at home thinking of the perfect mascot for Northeastern State University will soon have the opportunity to share the idea.

Starting Aug. 15, NSU will begin accepting suggestions for the University's new mascot. Suggestions can be submitted online at the NSU site.

NSU President Dr. Larry Williams announced in May that NSU would begin the search for a new mascot to be unveiled at the start of classes in fall 2007. Williams' decision to form a task force that will guide the selection of a new mascot to represent NSU's athletic teams follows an extensive study of how logos and the name Redmen are used throughout the University.

Individuals with suggestions must provide their name, e-mail address, and how they are connected to Northeastern, along with a brief explanation of the reason for their choice.

To avoid confusion with other mascots, a list of ineligible mascot suggestions from area high schools, state colleges and universities, and the Lone Star Conference will also be available online.

Suggestions will be accepted through Sept. 30. The Mascot Selection Task Force will then review submissions and choose the top mascots, to be announced during NSU's Homecoming celebration Oct. 13-14. On-site voting will begin at Homecoming, and online balloting will continue until Nov. 1.

An official decision is expected in early 2007, and the Mascot Selection Task Force will spend the next half year implementing the changes that will need to be in place when the new mascot is publicly unveiled.

While NSU has been respectful and consistent in the usage of the Redmen nickname for more than 80 years, Williams said, "I believe it is in the best interest of NSU to find a new mascot that will generate respect across the wide spectrum of individuals that make up the alumni, faculty, staff, students, friends, and supporters of this great University."

University records indicate the Redmen mascot was officially adopted in October 1924, chosen by a vote of the faculty to replace the name "Warriors." Several characters have been introduced to depict the Redmen mascot but now are part of NSU history and lore.

During the past several years, the National Collegiate Athletic Association has requested all colleges and universities with American Indian mascots to review the use of their mascots. NSU's use of the Redmen nickname - the institution does not have an official mascot - has been under scrutiny by the athletic governing board for several years, although NSU has not been asked to make a change.

Several institutions across the United States have made headlines in an effort to comply with NCAA guidelines and some have been forced into decisions to avoid team penalties. Although Northeastern's use of the Redmen mascot has not been classified as "hostile or abusive" by the NCAA, restrictions connected to the use of American Indian nicknames could affect future NSU athletic competitions unless the University takes the initiative to comply before the Redmen name becomes an issue.