FSU Logo

FSU (Florida State University) LogoFSU (Florida State University) Logo PNG

The emblem draws an analogy between learning and light, illuminating a dark room. The FSU emblem emphasizes the value and completeness of the knowledge that the university provides. Using them, every student will be able to earn well in the future.

FSU: Brand overview

FSU (Florida State University or simply Florida State) is the main representative of the Florida State University system and the oldest educational institution in the United States. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report recognized it as the best public university among national educational institutions and ranked it 19th. The university came into existence in 1851 and has since grown to more than 110 centers, institutes, laboratories, and 16 colleges with 360 programs of study. The university is located in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU has its own athletic division called the Florida State Seminoles, whose members compete in the NCAA and ACC.

Meaning and History

Florida State University Symbol

After Spain ceded the Florida territory to the United States of America, the stage was set for the formation of a major state there. This decision was made in 1823 by the American Congress. In 1838, the state received land allocated for schools. When Florida became the twenty-seventh state of the United States (in 1845), the authorities were able to realize their plan. As a result of official actions, two educational institutions appeared in 1851.

Later, the boys’ school located in Tallahassee was named a seminary, which brought it closer to higher education. In 1856, the then-state mayor proposed to the Legislature a building and land for the institute. The decision was agreed to, and the institution began providing higher education for men. In 1858, Tallahassee Female Academy, which had existed since 1843, was attached to the seminary. Thus began the history of modern FSU.

What is FSU?

FSU is an acronym for Florida State University, one of the oldest universities in the United States. It was formed in 1851 and is located in Tallahassee, Florida. It includes 16 colleges and more than 110 centers, institutes, laboratories, and other institutions offering more than 360 programs to students. The university ranks 19th on the list of the nation’s most successful universities.

During this time, the university’s identity has changed several times, both academically and athletically. In addition, the seal serves as an emblem, so it is used everywhere: in official documents, advertising media, internal orders, etc. The sign is a solid circle, in the center of which there are three burning torches. They are completely identical, although the central element looks larger than the side ones. A wide ribbon with a dark outline is twisted between the handles. It is divided into three segments, on which are inscribed the Latin words: “Vires,” “Artes,” and “Mores.” This is the motto of the higher education institution.

Further on the circular strip is the expanded name of FSU – “Florida State University.” It is made in the form of an arch with an open bottom. Here is also located the year of the founding of the university – “1851”. On the edge of the sign is a triple border consisting of one wide and two narrow stripes. Thanks to this structure, the logo looks like a classic rondel. It is painted in several shades of gold – the official color of the university.

FSU: Interesting Facts

Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, is known for its deep history and wide-ranging impact on education, research, and culture.

  1. History: Founded in 1851, FSU is one of Florida’s oldest higher education institutions. It started as the West Florida Seminary and underwent several changes before becoming FSU in 1947.
  2. MagLab: FSU hosts the world’s largest and highest-powered magnet lab, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. It draws researchers worldwide for experiments across multiple sciences.
  3. Notable Programs: FSU is praised for its programs in business, law, engineering, and the arts, especially its College of Motion Picture Arts, which ranked among the top film schools globally.
  4. FSU Marching Chiefs: One of the biggest college marching bands, the FSU Marching Chiefs, is famous for its dynamic performances at bowl games and other high-profile events.
  5. Partnership with Seminole Tribe: FSU has a special relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Unlike other schools, it supports using their name and imagery for its sports teams, unlike other schools that face criticism for using Native American symbols.
  6. Rhodes Scholars and Alumni: FSU has produced many Rhodes Scholars. Notable alumni include actor Burt Reynolds, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, and The Doors’ Jim Morrison.
  7. Research: FSU is recognized for its high-level research activities and contributes significantly across various disciplines, earning a Carnegie Foundation “Very High Research” classification.
  8. Cultural Impact: FSU enriches culture through its Museum of Fine Arts, School of Theatre, and more, offering performances and educational programs.
  9. Athletics: Competing in the NCAA Division I, FSU Seminoles have won national championships in several sports, showing a strong tradition of athletic and academic success.

FSU’s academic excellence, research strength, cultural contributions, and athletic achievements make it a key player in American higher education, significantly impacting Florida and beyond.

Font and Colors

FSU Emblem

Florida State University’s visual style reflects its heritage and outlook. Academic press conveys its educational principles and reflects its motto and seriousness about the educational process. Athletic paraphernalia denotes a territorial connection to the indigenous people, the Seminole Tribe, for whom the department is named.

For the inscriptions in the logos, the developers chose classic but simple fonts. It is recommended to use Benton Sans or Adobe Garamond Pro. Acceptable variants are Arial or Times New Roman.

The University’s palette is dominated by garnet (Hex 782F40) and gold (Hex CEB888) colors. They are combined with white (Hex FFFFFFFF) and black (Hex 2C2A29).

FSU color codes

GoldHex color:#ceb888
RGB:206 184 136
CMYK:0 11 34 19
Pantone:PMS 7502 C
GarnetHex color:#782f40
RGB:120 47 64
CMYK:0 61 47 53
Pantone:PMS 7637 C
BlackHex color:#2c2a29
RGB:44 42 41
CMYK:0 5 7 83
Pantone:PMS Neutral Black C

FAQ

What does the FSU logo represent?

The previous logo for FSU sports teams featured a Native American image rendered in fuzzy lines – with blurred edges. The most recent update (2014) made it smoother and clearer. Designers rounded out the emblem by removing the protruding strands on the head and shortened the university’s long name by labeling it with an acronym on a circular plate.

Why did FSU change its logo?

FSU changed its logo to improve its identity and make it more modern and clear. To do so, the university gave it a clear structure with distinct lines and adjusted the images. The changes, in turn, affected almost all the university’s designations (sports emblem, academic symbol), except for the seal. It retained its original structure.

Will FSU change its logo?

Due to the policy of banning Native American imagery in logos, many academic institutions and their athletic departments have redesigned their emblems. However, FSU refused to do so and still uses the half-deer head symbol. By the way, university representatives previously consulted with the chief and received his approval.