Arizona Western College launches new brand

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - On September 19, the Arizona Western College (AWC) Marketing & Communications team has officially launched the college's new brand.

Also, for staff, faculty and select group of student leaders, AWC unveiled the new logos and colors in Yuma.

More specifically, the unveiling happened at the AWC Yuma Campus on Monday.

Furthermore, the new logo features brand-specific colors Matador Red and Skystone (Turquoise).

“As Arizona Western College evolves, offers new programs and services, enters into new partnerships, and redefines its mission and values, it is important that our brand evolves too,” said Mandy Heil, AWC Associate Dean of Marketing & Communications.

“It is also best practice to rebrand every 8-10 years. We were well beyond that mark and definitely past due for a brand refresh.”

New brand through feedback

Before the creative team went work on the new logo, AWC members conducted extensive feedback to individuals like:

• Students
• Staff
• Faculty
• Alumni
• Partners
• Community members

Equally important, based on the response and suggestions, initial concepts were created and shared.

After that, the creative team went into second and third iterations before they decided on the final product.

Nevertheless, the final product resulted in 258 surveys, 14 focus groups, two districtwide town halls, and a consulting session.

Branding Advisory Committee

During the logo creation, the creative team realized they needed input from key campus personnel.

Thus, the Branding Advisory Committee was born.

The committee, comprised of representatives from various areas of the college, including AWC students, was integral for helping the team.

When looking through the team's designs, the committee voted on the now-current AWC logo.

Road to rollout

When asked about the logo design journey, AWC Creative Director Leah McKeogh shares:

“Seeing my team of designers work together to share concepts of potential logo designs really showed me how much talent we’ve got on our team. As the Creative Director, rebranding and logo development is such an exciting part of the job. It has been an honor to see our logo concept come to life and to see the marketing team engage with it. We’re just so excited to finally roll it out and hope people love it.”

Simultaneously, Heil adds:

“It has been a true honor to watch this creative team come together for this impactful work. Not only is the final result amazing, but we arrived here through tough decision-making, collaborative concept development, and a shared vision for what could be at AWC. I am beyond proud."

For more information, visit the AZ Western website or watch the rebranding video journey.