The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) adopted the Warhawks nickname in 2006, replacing the Indians mascot that had represented the school’s athletic teams for 75 years. The new identity was unveiled on June 26, 2006, at Fant-Ewing Coliseum in a ceremony attended by university supporters. ULM president Jim Cofer called it a historic day as the school turned the page on the Indian mascot and allowed its latest logo to take flight. [1]
Design and History
The Warhawk logo designs were created by Ohio-based Rickabaugh Graphics. [2] The ULM Mascot Committee unanimously approved the final Warhawk logo designs before setting the June 26 unveiling date. Focus groups, including four groups of adults and one additional group, met with Eric Rickabaugh during the design process. [3]
The nickname change was prompted by the NCAA’s stance against the use of American Indian nicknames. [4] The name Warhawks was announced as ULM’s new mascot on April 5, 2006, following an extensive public nomination process. [5] The new nickname honors Maj. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault, a Northeast Louisiana native, and his Air Force unit from World War II, which utilized the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk in battle. [6]
In September 2025, ULM released updated brand guidelines that realign the university’s visual identity with the legacy of the P-40 Warhawk aircraft flown by Chennault’s Flying Tigers. [7] The new edition of the ULM Brand Guide was developed by Executive Creative Director Srdjan Marjanovic, who also designed all of the new P-40 related assets. [6]
Meaning and Symbolism
The 2025 brand guide introduces new visual assets, including the iconic shark mouth logo and a custom roundel, reflecting both the hawk and aircraft symbolism central to ULM’s Warhawk identity. [7] The original roundel featured a five-point white star inside a blue circle with a red center and was used as an identifier on the wings and fuselage of the P-40. [8]
University president Carrie L. Castille explained in 2025 that the name is a nod to both the bird and plane by honoring the “vision, precision, and adaptability of the hawk and the legacy of the P-40 Warhawk.” [5]
Typography and Design
The 2006 logo was designed around a maroon hawk with gold and red tails on a military-style patch. [2] The complete logo display was made available online at the ULM website following the unveiling. [9]
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