2008 Woodie Awards
University starts search for new mascot
Committee of nine set to oversee selection
Kelcie Huffstickler
Issue date: 8/27/07 Section: News
A committee is officially in place to guide the process of choosing a new mascot for ASU, according to Robert L. Potts, chancellor of ASUJ. Potts accepted the recommendation to retire the names "Indian" and "Indian Family" after reviewing the recommendation letter from Jim Pickens, Chair of the Mascot Review Committee. Potts appointed the review committee in April 2007, and in July the members unanimously recommended a change.
Pressure has been building for schools like ASU to change mascots since 2005 when the NCAA banned the use of American Indian imagery and nicknames by schools in post season tournaments. This means that as the Indians, A-State would never be allowed to host a post-season game and would not be allowed to bring the Indian mascot or any imagery on the road to tournament games.
"We've been hearing about this now forever," said Jillian Williams, a junior photojournalism major from Pine Bluff. "It's just taking too long to do anything about it."
Billy Walton, a senior sports management major from Hoxie said, "If change is inevitable, then we need to do what we need to do and move on. It's not anything we can't get over. It's only going to better the university by adhering to NCAA guidelines."
A-State's mascot became the Indians in 1931 and has endured up to today as the number one thing people associate with Arkansas State University.
Morgan Pippin, president of the SGA and a member of the Mascot Selection Steering Committee said, "Even though we would love to remain Indians, change must be made. We are always going to be Indians in our hearts, but we must move on and look forward to the future of Arkansas State University."
Other members of the steering committee include interim vice chancellor Glen Jones, director of intercollegiate athletics Dean Lee, and Potts.
According to a memorandum from Potts, the committee is requested to solicit and evaluate new mascot names, establish steps for retiring the existing mascot, develop criteria to be used in selecting a new mascot, and establish a firm timeline for the process.
Pippin confirmed that the committee will be listening to all student, faculty, and community suggestions throughout the process.
Pressure has been building for schools like ASU to change mascots since 2005 when the NCAA banned the use of American Indian imagery and nicknames by schools in post season tournaments. This means that as the Indians, A-State would never be allowed to host a post-season game and would not be allowed to bring the Indian mascot or any imagery on the road to tournament games.
"We've been hearing about this now forever," said Jillian Williams, a junior photojournalism major from Pine Bluff. "It's just taking too long to do anything about it."
Billy Walton, a senior sports management major from Hoxie said, "If change is inevitable, then we need to do what we need to do and move on. It's not anything we can't get over. It's only going to better the university by adhering to NCAA guidelines."
A-State's mascot became the Indians in 1931 and has endured up to today as the number one thing people associate with Arkansas State University.
Morgan Pippin, president of the SGA and a member of the Mascot Selection Steering Committee said, "Even though we would love to remain Indians, change must be made. We are always going to be Indians in our hearts, but we must move on and look forward to the future of Arkansas State University."
Other members of the steering committee include interim vice chancellor Glen Jones, director of intercollegiate athletics Dean Lee, and Potts.
According to a memorandum from Potts, the committee is requested to solicit and evaluate new mascot names, establish steps for retiring the existing mascot, develop criteria to be used in selecting a new mascot, and establish a firm timeline for the process.
Pippin confirmed that the committee will be listening to all student, faculty, and community suggestions throughout the process.
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