"The new logo is part of our efforts to more closely associate James Madison, the man, with James Madison, the university," said JMU Vice President for University Relations Barbara Castello. "James Madison University is the only university in America named for President Madison."

The new logo, which becomes official July 1, features a likeness of Madison on the left side and the university’s full name on the right.

"James Madison was one of the most important of the Founding Fathers but the significance of his role in developing our nation has never been fully appreciated," Castello said.

In his inaugural address last fall, JMU President Linwood H. Rose called for JMU to strengthen the links between the University and President Madison.

"We are striving for James Madison University to become the institution that people look to for learning more about Mr. Madison and the vital part his thinking and leadership played in the creation of America," Rose said.

JMU has established the Madison Center on its campus as a focal point for information on Madison. The university has also developed a variety of working relationships with Montpelier, the ancestral home of James and Dolley Madison.

The new logo will replace two previously used logos on JMU publications, stationery, envelopes and in any written or computer-based presentations. One of the old logos featured JMU in block letters and the other had the name of the institution surrounding a sketch of the cupola on top of JMU’s Wilson Hall.

The university seal, which is based on the Madison family crest, will not change. The use of the seal by the university is limited to a small number of applications, such as on diplomas and other official documents. No immediate changes are planned for the bulldog logo that is used for JMU athletic teams.

The new logo was designed by Trudy L. Cole-Zielanski, a JMU professor of art and art history and media arts and design, in conjunction with Ann Hess and other graphic artists in JMU’s Division of University Relations.

The changeover to the new logo will be gradual and at no cost to the university. Publications and stationery bearing the old logos will continue to be used until supplies are exhausted.

There are no immediate plans to change major signs at the university, such as those at campus entrances.

The Division of University Relations has been reviewing a change in JMU’s identity system for some time. The new logo is being adopted in conjunction with a new set of publications standards that will be used for JMU’s print and electronic publications.

Last fall, following Rose’s inauguration and his call for a closer link between the University and President Madison, the division began exploring designs for a new JMU logo.

During the spring, six focus groups discussed a new logo for the university. An overwhelming number of focus group members favored the use of Mr. Madison’s image on the logo.

The focus groups included faculty, students, alumni, staff and parents of students. The idea of maintaining, or modifying, the currently used cupola and block letter logos received very little support in the groups.

The focus groups were also asked to judge the appropriateness of a traditional representation of Madison against a more modern portrayal. The traditional design was favored by a wide margin.

After the revisions were completed, the university’s division heads and President Rose gave final approval to the new logo.