It’s a new day for the ASUN — and a new look.

Stetson University and the seven other members of the Atlantic Sun Conference will now display a new conference logo, representing a new identity for the ASUN. Beginning with fall sports, the black-and-yellow logo will be used in association with each of the ASUN’s 19 sponsored sports.

The redesigned mark includes a bold and steady typeface that reflects conference “stability, strength and reliability.” The rising sun locked within the A represents hope and optimism for the future, as well as for students and student-athletes, according to ASUN officials. The versatility of the two-color mark will enable each of the ASUN member institutions and eight affiliate members to display the logo in their own colors.

The unveiling of the new identity began in April and was largely achieved through social media, including a strong Stetson presence.

“The new brand identity is a reflection of the platform, beliefs and personality that have been identified by our membership and our student-athletes throughout this year’s rebranding project,” cited Meredith Eaker, ASUN associate commissioner.

“The ASUN brand has grown significantly in the last several years and in large part due to the success of our many outstanding programs, including NCAA post-season wins in basketball, golf, softball and baseball,” said Jeff Altier, Stetson’s director of athletics. Altier added that Stetson will incur some costs associated with the change but the ASUN is providing a grant to minimize the financial impact.

The ASUN worked to develop the new identity in partnership with SME Branding, a New York-based company that has successfully positioned itself as an industry leader in the rebranding of a variety of major sports organizations. Fueled originally by the conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the ASUN and SME solicited input from a wide audience including student-athletes, administration, coaches, faculty and others.

By Michael Candelaria