TYLER, Texas — More change will soon come to the University of Texas at Tyler.
One year after unveiling a new logo, the university has announced plans for a new mascot, but the decision isn't backed by everyone.
"We're only 10 years or so into having a mascot, having an identity, having some traditions, and to switch that already, feels like it'll just set us back 10 years,” said UT Tyler alumni Kenny Lange.
When Lange started as a student UT Tyler, he said the school didn’t have a mascot.
"They brought up that they wanted to vote in a new mascot, so there was a competition,” says Lange. “I thought that it'd be interesting because you see like the Longhorns, Aggies and all of these established cultures, and it felt like we were taking a step in the right direction."
In the spring of 2018, the university replaced its 20-year-old "square mark" logo with the new "Flag-T" icon, which is now being used for all academic and athletic purposes.
The switch-up was a part of a strategic plan which includes five pillars:
- Student success
- Student engagement
- Research
- Community engagement
- Strong foundation
But alumni question the point behind these changes.
"Change it, but only if you wish to alienate the alumni base that helped form the small semblance of culture and tradition that exist on the campus," said Lange.
Temple Mims, who attended UT Tyler from 2012 trough 2015, agrees with Lange.
"When's the last time you saw a major university change their mascot?” said Mims. “Could you imagine if Texas said, 'we're getting rid of Bevo'. Time to vote on a new one. There would be an uproar. Traditions create comradery between current students and alumni, and I’ve always longed for that sense of comradery with my university."
In response to the university’s announcement, alumna and former UT Tyler faculty member, Jennifer Skinner created an online petition pushing to keep "Swoop the Eagle" as the university's mascot.
On its first day, the petition received 250 signatures. As of Wednesday afternoon, the number of signatures had reached 340.
"We couldn't honor international scholarships for students to come over, because we're too busy rebranding the logo, changing the school colors, getting a mascot,” says Mims. “I feel like the money could be used to either giving the faculty a raise, honoring those scholarships and really pouring into your students, rather than to your brand."
In a statement, UT Tyler Chief Communications Officer Lucas Roebuck said:
"The UT Tyler team is very focused on choosing a mascot that best represents our patriot team name and the traditions of the university. We are getting direct input from students and alumni, and we are also closely listening to the growing discussions on social media."
"It feels like change for change's sake and we're mistaking activity for progress,” said Lange.
Roebuck says the university plans to make a special announcement about the mascot on Friday, March 8, at 10 a.m. in the University Center theater.
In the meantime, for those who have an idea for the new mascot, the school is accepting submissions until Friday, March 8.