FAQ
1) Why did Nicholls hire an out-of-state contractor?
University officials wanted to hire a well-respected company with a national reputation for athletics rebranding. Officials originally considered using Lapham/Miller, the advertising and marketing firm that spearheaded the 2005 campus-wide rebranding initiative. The University of Louisiana at Monroe had recently undergone a mascot rebranding initiative, and Nicholls officials contacted them for recommendations. ULM highly recommended Rickabaugh Graphics, the company that helped them change their mascot from the Indians to the Warhawks. Nicholls officials researched Rickabaugh Graphics and discovered that they specialize in athletics branding for universities and professional sports programs. After much consideration, the university hired Rickabaugh Graphics.
2) How can the university justify spending so much money on a new mascot?
University officials were fulfilling a commitment made to the student body when they entered into the contract with Rickabaugh Graphics at the end of the 2007-2008 fiscal year. A portion of the contract was paid out of the 2007-2008 budget and the balance was paid out of the 2008-2009 budget. The entire contract amount — $19,985 — was budgeted, encumbered and paid in full prior to the state mandated budget cuts.
3) Who participated in the focus groups?
Current students, faculty, staff, community members, student athletes, and alumni.
4) Why does the colonel on the new logo look so aggressive?
The majority of focus group participants voted for a new mascot image that could be described as “tough” and “aggressive.” In comparison, a minority voted for a mascot image that could be described as “friendly” – 7.8%; and “cute” – 1.6%.
5) Why is he wearing a red jacket?
The official colors of Nicholls athletics are gray and red, and focus group participants overwhelmingly voted for the red jacket.
6) Why is he wearing that style hat?
Focus group participants requested that the look of the Colonel be based on a contemporary — 1940s to the present — U.S. military officer with the rank of a colonel. The hat Col. Tillou is wearing was inspired by these images of U.S. military officers.
7) Will the costumed mascot look like the logo?
No. The costumed mascot is designed to be a larger than life, friendly character that fans of all ages will like.
8) Will the new logos replace the “N” logos?
No. The “N” logos will remain the primary marks for Nicholls State University. The new athletics marks will be added to the family of university logos.
9) Will retailers still offer Nicholls merchandise with the old logos?
Retailers will stock merchandise that customers are willing to buy. Supply will be dictated by demand.