Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas, introduced a new university logo system in August 2025, replacing a mark that had been in use since 2003. The updated identity was developed entirely in-house by the university’s Division of Marketing and Communications and was designed to support the institution’s growth into new campuses, partnerships, and online programs.[1][2]
Design and History
The previous Texas State University logo was created in 2003, the same year the institution changed its name from Southwest Texas State University to Texas State University-San Marcos.[2][3] That logo featured a serif typeface that university officials later said lacked legibility at small sizes and created alignment and scale problems when paired with partner logos.[1]
The 2025 update was described by the university as an evolution rather than a dramatic shift. The new logo uses a bolder, custom typeface that is more legible across sizes and screen types, and it introduces a refined version of the Texas State star that is visually cleaner and more distinctive while maintaining a connection to the university’s heritage.[1][4] The new system also establishes a hierarchy of university, campus, and unit logos, and introduces official program logos for the first time.[5]
The rollout began on August 4, 2025. Digital materials were required to be updated immediately, while physical materials could continue using the old logo until stock ran out. The university’s athletic logos, including the SuperCat mark, the TXST acronym logos, and the University Seal were not affected by the update.[1]
The SuperCat athletic logo, which remains in use, was designed in 2003 by Brad Monk, a graphic design student who graduated that year. Monk created the angular, aggressive bobcat head as the university transitioned from Southwest Texas State to Texas State.[6]
Meaning and Symbolism
The star has been a central element of the Texas State identity. The university describes the refined star in its current logo as “a connection to our heritage and history.”[4] The star motif also appears in the university’s official seal, which features a lone, faceted five-point star embraced by a wreath of native oak leaves, symbolizing strength, and laurel leaves, symbolizing victory in knowledge.[7]
Texas State’s school colors are maroon and gold, inspired by the native wildflower gaillardia, also known as the Indian blanket. The university adopted the bobcat as its official athletic mascot in 1920.[8]
Typography and Design
The current Texas State University logo uses a custom typeface for its wordmark, described by the university as representing “our bold, forward-looking institution” and designed to be legible across sizes and screen types.[4] The logo is available in four orientations: primary, square, horizontal, and vertical.[4]
As part of the 2025 update, the gold in the logo was changed to “Texas State Bright Gold” to increase contrast with Texas State Maroon, align the primary logos with the gold used by athletics teams, and meet federal contrast standards for digital content.[1] The university’s brand guidelines identify Texas State Maroon and Gold as the foundation of the core brand color palette.[9]
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