The Colorado Mesa Mavericks are the athletic teams representing Colorado Mesa University (CMU) in Grand Junction, Colorado. The university competes in NCAA Division II as a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, with the Mavericks nickname and Rowdy the Maverick as mascot.[1]
Design and History
In August 2011, Mesa State College officially became Colorado Mesa University, and the institution unveiled new logos and word marks for both the university and its athletics program.[2] The new visual identity was developed in-house by a creative team that included alumni and students.[2] The university logo introduced at that time was a stylized representation of the mesas and rivers of the Grand Junction region.[3]
In March 2012, CMU released the final piece of its new visual identity: a new Maverick mascot logo. According to CMU Executive Director of Marketing Rick Taggart, the mark was “a bolder version that complements our new athletic signature and graphics,” keeping some elements of the previous look while presenting a stronger overall appearance.[2] The new Maverick logo was designed to gradually replace the previous version as athletic facilities were upgraded.[2]
In 2024, Colorado Mesa University made a complete change from its old River and Mesa logo to its athletics interlocking letter logo featuring the “CMU” monogram.[4] The Mav head mark was moved to the athletics logo as part of this transition.[5]
Meaning and Symbolism
The Mavericks nickname dates to 1929, when students adopted the Maverick as the school’s official mascot after discovering that the word’s definition, which included terms like “unorthodox” and “individualist,” embodied ideals they aspired to.[6] The university’s official colors are Mavroon, White, and Gold.[1]
Typography and Design
CMU’s official brand colors are documented in the university’s visual identity system. Mavroon is specified as Web #860037, CMYK 0/100/34/53, RGB 134/0/56, PMS 209. Athletic Gold is specified as Web #FED102, CMYK 1/16/100/0, RGB 254/209/3, PMS 116.[7] The athletics brand guidelines note that the interlocking CMU mark is open for use by any athletic-oriented unit on campus, with sport extensions placed underneath the mark, and color combinations cannot be altered.[8]
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
